1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2
shut off; shutting off; shuts off
1
: to close off : separate
—usually used with from
shut off from the rest of the world
2
a
: to cut off (a flow or passage) : stop
shuts off the oxygen supply
b
: to stop the operation of (something, such as a machine)
shut the motor off
: to cease operating : stop
shuts off automatically
Synonyms
Examples of shutoff in a Sentence
Noun
the utility company threatened them with the shutoff of electricity if the bills weren't paid
Verb
threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands
shut off the computer to save electricity
Recent Examples on the Web
Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024
The warmer will give audio and visual alerts when the bottle has reached the right temperature, while the automatic shutoff function ensures that the bottle won’t overheat in case a caregiver can’t get to it right away.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shutoff 
Noun
Safety and convenience features include a low oil shutoff switch that protects the engine, a four-wheel design for easy movement and storage, and quiet power at 68 decibels.
—Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024
The warmer will give audio and visual alerts when the bottle has reached the right temperature, while the automatic shutoff function ensures that the bottle won’t overheat in case a caregiver can’t get to it right away.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shutoff
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shutoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shutoff
1 of 2 noun
shut·off
ˈshət-ˌȯf 
1
: something that shuts off
2
: an instance of shutting off : interruption, stoppage
shut off
2 of 2 verbˌshət-ˈȯf
1
: to stop the flow of
shut off the water
2
a
: to stop the operation of
shut the motor off
b
: to cease operating
the light shuts off automatically
3
: to make or keep separate
shut off from the rest of the world
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share