downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm How to pronounce downtime (audio)
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
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.
In between all the festive activities, Netflix has your downtime covered with seasonal streaming options, from Christmas classics to original content (although 2017's A Christmas Prince did not make our list). James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 Machine downtime can sink by 30% to 50%, labor productivity can improve by 15% to 30%, and cost reduction from inventory holding can reach 15% to 20%, among other improvements pinpointed by McKinsey. Ethan Karp, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone in your downtime, try reading a Pearls summary for a subject like psychology, history, productivity, money, or science. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024 Bows and ostrich feather cuffs on your heavenly soft pajamas makes precious downtime of lazy mornings and late-night lounging delightfully decadent. Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downtime 

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtime was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near downtime

Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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