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
McNally blames that mismatch on the shutdown of refineries around the United States as forecasters projected weaker gasoline demand due to the rise of electric vehicles. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 The last of the businesses at the once-popular Festival Marketplace mall in Pompano Beach are packing up to leave as the decades-old retail spot that hosted boutiques, jewelers, electronics, furniture shops and eateries nears a June 1 shutdown. David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
Particularly in less densely populated parts of America, plenty of government officials and citizens still hold a grudge over the way businesses and schools were temporarily shut down. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025 Georgie suits up and makes his best pitch to a loan officer at the local bank, but is shut down. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 23 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!