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time-out

noun \ ˈtīm-ˈau̇t \

Definition of time-out

1 : a brief suspension of activity : break; especially : a suspension of play in an athletic game
2 : a quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children

See time-out defined for English-language learners

See time-out defined for kids

First Known Use of time-out

circa 1896

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

time-out Synonyms

Synonyms

downtime, layoff, winter;

Related Words

break, breath, breather, interruption, lull, pause, recess;

abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspense, suspension;

Phrases Related to TIME-OUT

Related Phrases

TIME-OUT Defined for English Language Learners

time-out

noun

Definition of time-out for English Language Learners

  • : a short period of time during a sports event when the game stops and the players rest or talk to their coach

  • : a short period of time when you stop doing something so that you can rest or do something else

  • : a short period of time when a child must sit quietly as punishment for behaving badly

TIME-OUT Defined for Kids

time-out

noun \ ˈtīm-ˈau̇t \

Definition of time-out for Students

1 : a short period during a game in which play is stopped
2 : a quiet period used as a way to discipline a child

Learn More about time-out

  1. See words that rhyme with time-out Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for time-out

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