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

• 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

The Mariners’ pitching staff entered the Bronx on fire, as Seattle had thrown three straight shutouts, a franchise first, prior to Tuesday’s game against the Yankees. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025

The right-hander pitched five shutout innings in Double-A Portland, with four strikeouts, three hits, and zero walks. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025

Verb

They were shut out through five innings by Brandon Young, who entered the night with an ERA over seven. —Tim Britton, New York Times, 9 July 2025

On June 2, the department flipped the switch to encrypt its radio communications, shutting out the public from hearing what police are responding to and receiving instant public safety updates. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025

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