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

Gomber had an impressive debut with the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, pitching five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and one walk with five strikeouts. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Junior linebacker Jacob Onik returns an interception 30 yards for a TD in Lincoln-Way East’s 40-0 shutout of Maine South. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Verb

The two great rivals have now combined to win the last eight Grand Slam titles, effectively shutting out everyone else – including the great Novak Djokovic – from Slam contention. —Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

As thousands of Gen Z are shut out making a name in the industry—even just getting a foot in the door—there could be serious long-term impacts. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Sep. 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