downtime
noun
down·time
ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 
1
: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs
2
: inactive time (such as time between periods of work)
napping during our downtime
an injured athlete facing months of downtime
Examples of downtime in a Sentence
After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home.
The kids napped during their downtime.
We need to minimize network downtime.
Recent Examples on the Web
This new series for A Peace of My mind began during what Noltner thought would be downtime in his hometown.
—
Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
However, some of you will welcome time alone or a chance to enjoy downtime in your favorite surroundings amidst familiar possessions.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Kendra Hayden was looking for something to fill her athletic downtime between swimming in the fall and water polo in the spring.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
The company says the trucks set an industry record by completing 200 battery swaps in a single day, highlighting the potential of its autonomous, battery-swapping technology to increase productivity and minimize downtime in large-scale mining operations.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
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Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
However, some of you will welcome time alone or a chance to enjoy downtime in your favorite surroundings amidst familiar possessions.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Kendra Hayden was looking for something to fill her athletic downtime between swimming in the fall and water polo in the spring.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
The company says the trucks set an industry record by completing 200 battery swaps in a single day, highlighting the potential of its autonomous, battery-swapping technology to increase productivity and minimize downtime in large-scale mining operations.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Cite this Entry
“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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