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
The government shutdown also adds uncertainty to the economic outlook, the firm said. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025 The protests come amid a federal government shutdown now in its 18th day, broader immigration enforcement operations, and the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and Los Angeles. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
Yet here were the 49ers, shutting down a Falcons team that piled up 443 yards including 210 yards rushing on a good Buffalo team the week before. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 Postal services, including mail delivery, continue even when the government shuts down. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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