shut down; shutting down; shuts down
: to settle so as to obscure vision : close in
the night shut down early
: 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
Sean Conlon, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
The report was delayed due to the government shutdown and data may be distorted as a result, economists warn.
—Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 28 Dec. 2025
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025
Then, just as payments were set to begin again, the government shut down, and the lawyers were not included in the list of essential personnel whose fees would continue to be paid.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shutdown
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
Another shutdown on the horizon?
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
The report was delayed due to the government shutdown and data may be distorted as a result, economists warn.
—Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
Three teenage boys have died after a two-vehicle crash Monday night on North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach, forcing the roadway to shut down as investigators worked the scene, authorities said.
—S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025
Then, just as payments were set to begin again, the government shut down, and the lawyers were not included in the list of essential personnel whose fees would continue to be paid.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shutdown
Cite this Entry
“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shutdown
noun
shut·down
ˈshət-ˌdau̇n 
: an ending of an activity
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share