1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2
shut off; shutting off; shuts off
1
: to close off : separate
—usually used with from
shut off from the rest of the world
2
a
: to cut off (a flow or passage) : stop
shuts off the oxygen supply
b
: to stop the operation of (something, such as a machine)
shut the motor off
: to cease operating : stop
shuts off automatically
Examples of shutoff in a Sentence
Noun
the utility company threatened them with the shutoff of electricity if the bills weren't paid
Verb
threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands
shut off the computer to save electricity
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason Green, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Use a shutoff hose nozzle when hand watering.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
The co-conspirators burned the stores to force their closure and then shut off power to the security cameras, which enabled them to return to the unguarded locations to burglarize the ATMs.
—Adam Bednar, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
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Noun
The streets affected by the shutoff are Cuesta Drive, Leona Lane, Montalto Drive, Drucilla Drive and Carla Court.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Use a shutoff hose nozzle when hand watering.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Court documents state both adults shut off their phones after March 28, cutting off communication, while the child had no independent way to contact family.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
The co-conspirators burned the stores to force their closure and then shut off power to the security cameras, which enabled them to return to the unguarded locations to burglarize the ATMs.
—Adam Bednar, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shutoff
1 of 2 noun
shut·off
ˈshət-ˌȯf 
1
: something that shuts off
2
: an instance of shutting off : interruption, stoppage
shut off
2 of 2 verbˌshət-ˈȯf
1
: to stop the flow of
shut off the water
2
a
: to stop the operation of
shut the motor off
b
: to cease operating
the light shuts off automatically
3
: to make or keep separate
shut off from the rest of the world
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