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
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
Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
After four Xcel power shutoffs in the past nine months, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission is taking action.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Look for blankets with their own sensors that automatically shut off after eight to 10 hours of use.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
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Noun
White and area emergency management officials said Xcel has made improvements since then and worked more closely with local governments during the latest shutoffs.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
After four Xcel power shutoffs in the past nine months, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission is taking action.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
Heybike has included several safety features like a magnetic kill switch that shuts off the power if the rider disconnects from the bike, a reverse assist that helps you back out of tight places, and throttle reset protection, which guards against unintentional launches.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Look for blankets with their own sensors that automatically shut off after eight to 10 hours of use.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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
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