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

Verb

• ban
• bar
• close out
• count (out)
• debar
• eliminate
• except
• exclude
• freeze out
• rule out

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

However, journeyman pitcher Grant Holmes pitched four shutout innings, allowing only a hit, while the Braves bullpen stood tall to complete a 3-0 shutout victory to clinch a playoff berth. —David Close, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

Tyler Nevin had a two-run double in the seventh inning to make sure Oakland’s final game didn’t end in a shutout and Darell Hernaiz had a two-run double in the ninth. —Staff and Wire Reports, The Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2024

Verb

Awards, was entirely shut out for nods at this year’s edition of that Nashville ceremony. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024

Trans women who do try to make it by playing to the mainstream are shut out, too. —Frankie De La Cretaz, Them, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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