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.
Along with other large parts of Northwest Indiana, East Chicago was hit with power outages following a wicked storm that blasted through the area a week ago Tuesday. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The outages were largely limited to Pope, Faulkner, Pulaski, and White counties. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 17 Aug. 2026 The outages also disrupt work flows for businesses, like restaurant staffers who need to prep the food and open their eateries. — Kathe Tanner, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland also did not comment on NIPSCO’s response to outages by press time Monday. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 17 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outage. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on outage

Nglish: Translation of outage for Spanish Speakers

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