shutout

1 of 2

noun

shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t 

1

: a game or contest in which one side fails to score

2

: a preemptive bid in bridge

shut out

2 of 2

verb

shut out; shutting out; shuts out

transitive verb

1

: exclude

2

: to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game or contest

3

: to forestall the bidding of (bridge opponents) by making a high or preemptive bid

Synonyms of shutout

Verb

• exclude
• ban
• eliminate
• bar
• freeze out
• rule out
• prevent

Examples of shutout in a Sentence

Noun

They beat us in a 9–0 shutout.

Verb

local residents feel that they have been shut out of the debate for expanding the airport

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bussi took advantage of his opportunity last season and ended up clinching the Stanley Cup championship with a shutout in Las Vegas, but his miraculous campaign wasn’t without its hiccups. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

After blowouts, shutouts and easy wins, the Indians went into extras for the first time to keep the longest streak in 101 years intact. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Sooners started this season by shutting out UTEP and keeping the Miners to under 200 yards. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

For two years, some of the loudest voices on AI have spoken on white-collar layoffs, vanishing entry-level jobs, and a generation of graduates shut out. — Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shutout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

shutout

1 of 2 noun

shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t 

: a game in which one side fails to score

shut out

2 of 2 verb

ˌshət-ˈau̇t

1

: to keep something out : exclude

2

: to keep an opponent from scoring in a game