stoppage

noun

stop·​page ˈstä-pij How to pronounce stoppage (audio)
: 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
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.
Local administrations have no control over train stoppages. Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 18 July 2025 Fundora won that fight by stoppage in the ninth round. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Musa scored an equalizer for FC Dallas in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, finishing the play after Patrickson Delgado hit the crossbar after trying to chip the ball past Quakes goalkeeper Daniel with a wide-open net in front of him. Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 The union made an initial offer in February, and the league’s counterproposal in June forced players across the WNBA — including on the Chicago Sky — to prepare for the possibility of a stoppage. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stoppage

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stoppage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stoppage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoppage. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

stoppage

noun
stop·​page ˈstäp-ij How to pronounce stoppage (audio)
: the act of stopping : the state of being stopped

More from Merriam-Webster on stoppage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!