shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
Synonyms of shutdownnext
: the cessation or suspension of an operation or activity

shut down

2 of 2

verb

shut down; shutting down; shuts down

intransitive verb

: to settle so as to obscure vision : close in
the night shut down early

transitive verb

: to make ineffective in competition
shut down the opposition's offensive line

Examples of shutdown in a Sentence

Noun the shutdown of the factory the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs
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.
Noun
Outage causes Waymo shutdown Video on social media showed Waymo self-driving vehicles appearing to stop in intersections, causing traffic jams throughout the city. James Powel, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025 While the trend pointed in a favorable direction, experts warned gaps in data caused by the shutdown limit confidence in the precision of the report. Benzinga, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Verb
Mraz is the third major brewery in the Sacramento region that has planned to shut down in 2025. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Dec. 2025 The California Highway Patrol shut down all eastbound lanes of Highway 4 following the collision. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shutdown

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutdown was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun
shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: an ending of an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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