shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
Synonyms of shutdown
: 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

Synonyms of shutdown

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Noun

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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
Anchor tenant JCPenney fought against a shutdown, insisting its store was still popular and profitable. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Moscow was affected by the highest number of shutdowns—at least 17 in total at its four main airports. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Programs like art, music and PE are being shut down, ending certain opportunities for children. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Top podcaster Alex Cooper’s beverage business is shutting down, demonstrating the challenges online creators often have in diversifying their work away from content. — Ashley Carman, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for shutdown

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Browse Nearby Words

shut away
shutdown
shut down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shutdown

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

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

Nglish: Translation of shutdown for Spanish Speakers

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