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

Examples of time-out in a Sentence

we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over
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.
Spock advised parents against scolding children, threatening them, punishing them, giving them time-outs, or shooting them cross looks. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025 In any other circumstance, I would have been flustered, embarrassed, and ready to drag her out of there and straight into a time-out. Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025 Later flights and those from smaller airports are more susceptible to crew time-out issues. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 May 2025 The Lakers were up by one again, with just three seconds left, and the Bulls had no time-outs. Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of time-out was circa 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time-out. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

time-out

noun
ˈtī-ˈmau̇t
1
: a stopping of play (as in a game) usually for a short time
2
: a quiet period used especially as a way to discipline children
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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