shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: 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
Jellyfish caused shutdowns at plants in Israel, Japan and Scotland, each in 2011. Charna Flam, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025 The September 30 shutdown date gives remaining dial-up users just over one month now to find alternative Internet access—a challenge for those in areas where alternatives don't exist. ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Around then, the company shut down mining operations due to air quality concerns for employees, McIsaac said. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The courtroom has been packed with relatives of the victims and political observers, including members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, who have previously called for the farm to be shut down, BBC reported. Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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