downtime
noun
down·time
ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 
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
Compact and easy to bring anywhere, KidQuest turns downtime into bonding time.
—
Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
This means patients may be able to avoid years of medications, invasive surgeries, or lengthy downtime.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
For downtime, nearby Zuiver, Amsterdam’s largest spa, is a locals’ favorite, with saunas, steam baths, pools, and relaxation lounges.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 1 Oct. 2025
These elite medical pros bestow clients with high-impact, low-downtime results.
—Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downtime
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.
Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
This means patients may be able to avoid years of medications, invasive surgeries, or lengthy downtime.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
For downtime, nearby Zuiver, Amsterdam’s largest spa, is a locals’ favorite, with saunas, steam baths, pools, and relaxation lounges.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 1 Oct. 2025
These elite medical pros bestow clients with high-impact, low-downtime results.
—Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Cite this Entry
“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share