brownout
noun
brown·out
ˈbrau̇-ˌnau̇t 
: a period of reduced voltage of electricity caused especially by high demand and resulting in reduced illumination
Examples of brownout in a Sentence
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The city’s fire department, which also overspends its budget, saw two fire stations temporarily close, with more brownouts expected in February.
—
Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Rolling brownouts — where electricity is intentionally cut to certain areas to prevent total blackouts — are becoming more likely.
—Steve Hershey, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
The department expects to save roughly $5 million from the two brownouts and another $10 million from an additional four temporary closures next month, part of the city’s attempt to reel in a crippling budget deficit.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025
With power plants retiring, more data centers are projected to be built, and electrification growing, officials said there is the potential for rolling blackouts and brownouts if this transmission line isn’t built.
—Jessica Babb, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
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Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Rolling brownouts — where electricity is intentionally cut to certain areas to prevent total blackouts — are becoming more likely.
—Steve Hershey, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
The department expects to save roughly $5 million from the two brownouts and another $10 million from an additional four temporary closures next month, part of the city’s attempt to reel in a crippling budget deficit.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025
With power plants retiring, more data centers are projected to be built, and electrification growing, officials said there is the potential for rolling blackouts and brownouts if this transmission line isn’t built.
—Jessica Babb, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brownout
Dictionary Entries Near brownout
Cite this Entry
“Brownout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brownout. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brownout
noun
brown·out
ˈbrau̇-ˌnau̇t
: a reduction in the use or availability of electric power
also
: a period of dimmed lighting resulting from such reduction
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