downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm How to pronounce downtime (audio)
Synonyms of downtimenext
1
: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs
2
: inactive time (such as time between periods of work)
napping during our downtime
an injured athlete facing months of downtime

Examples of downtime in a Sentence

After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home. The kids napped during their downtime. We need to minimize network downtime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company says this approach can support sustainability goals by reducing inefficiencies tied to excess vehicles, downtime, and energy use. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026 Matchmaking will be disabled 30 minutes before downtime begins. Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026 The surveillance can go beyond ICE operations and involve what ICE officers are doing in their downtime. Sarah Bedford, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 This encourages you to protect your downtime and value people who feel like home. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downtime

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtime was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on downtime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!