shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: the cessation or suspension of an operation or activity

shut down

2 of 2

verb

shut down; shutting down; shuts down

intransitive verb

: to settle so as to obscure vision : close in
the night shut down early

transitive verb

: to make ineffective in competition
shut down the opposition's offensive line

Examples of shutdown in a Sentence

Noun the shutdown of the factory the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs
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.
Noun
This decline is attributed to the strategic exit from unprofitable customers in the Brick & Mortar channel and the shutdown of the direct-to-consumer channel. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 Trump could also count on the support of many Republicans and others who recalled that prior to COVID-19 shutdowns that began in March 2020, his term had been marked by gains in jobs and the stock market. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
Also, in recent years, Comcast has shut down a number of poor performing cable networks. Brad Adgate, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Trees begin to shut down their food production processes (photosynthesis), triggering the breakdown of chlorophyll. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shutdown 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutdown was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near shutdown

shut down

shutdown

shute

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun
shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: an ending of an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

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!