: the act of stopping : the state of being stopped : halt, obstruction
a stoppage in play
Examples of stoppage in a Sentence
The penalty caused a stoppage in play.
There have been more than 10 minutes in stoppages.
10 minutes of stoppage time
Recent Examples on the Web
If the player takes longer, the new player can’t take the field until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed following the restart.
—
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Instead of a conversation on fouls and play stoppage, fans will see youth, ascendant stars and teams, and basketball that’s inherently entertaining to watch.
—John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
If it is not adhered to, the oncoming player will only be permitted to enter the pitch at the first stoppage after a minute of play has elapsed.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Blue Jays right fielder Jesús Sánchez left the game in the sixth inning with bruised right wrist after apparently being struck by a ball thrown from the bleachers during a stoppage in play.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stoppage
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Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Instead of a conversation on fouls and play stoppage, fans will see youth, ascendant stars and teams, and basketball that’s inherently entertaining to watch.
—John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
If it is not adhered to, the oncoming player will only be permitted to enter the pitch at the first stoppage after a minute of play has elapsed.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Blue Jays right fielder Jesús Sánchez left the game in the sixth inning with bruised right wrist after apparently being struck by a ball thrown from the bleachers during a stoppage in play.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stoppage
Cite this Entry
“Stoppage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoppage. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stoppage
noun
stop·page
ˈstäp-ij 
: the act of stopping : the state of being stopped
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