outage

noun

out·​age ˈau̇-tij How to pronounce outage (audio)
1
: a quantity or bulk of something lost in transportation or storage
2
a
: a failure or interruption in use or functioning
b
: a period of interruption especially of electric current

Examples of outage in a Sentence

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.
Those environments may use different hardware, software or cryptographic configurations, creating compliance gaps during an outage. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Authorities say Jianquan Bo and his brother, Zhengfeng Bo, 67, shot and kidnapped Aikebaer outside his home after a power outage drew him from the residence. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Beyond extending the life of your harvest, a root cellar helps reduce food waste and provides an electricity-free way to store produce during power outages. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 The recurring power outages combined with the stifling heat have created collective insomnia on the island as residents struggle to get through the night. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outage

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outage was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

outact
outage
out and about
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Cite this Entry

“Outage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outage. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on outage

Nglish: Translation of outage for Spanish Speakers

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