1
2
a(1)
: a graduated set of organ pipes of similar design and tone quality
(2)
: a corresponding set of vibrators or reeds of a reed organ
(3)
: stop knob
—often used figuratively in phrases like pull out all the stops to suggest holding nothing back
b
: a means of regulating the pitch of a musical instrument
3
a
: something that impedes, obstructs, or brings to a halt : impediment, obstacle
b
: the aperture of a camera lens
also
: a marking of a series (as of f-numbers) on a camera for indicating settings of the diaphragm
c
: a drain plug : stopper
4
: a device for arresting or limiting motion
5
6
a
: a halt in a journey : stay
made a brief stop to refuel
b
: a stopping place
a bus stop
7
a
chiefly British
: any of several punctuation marks
b
—used in telegrams and cables to indicate a period
c
: a pause or break in a verse that marks the end of a grammatical unit
8
a
: an order stopping payment (as of a check or note) by a bank
b
9
: a consonant characterized by complete closure of the breath passage in the course of articulation compare continuant
10
: a depression in the face of an animal at the junction of forehead and muzzle
11
: a function of an electronic device that stops a recording
bring/put a stop to
2 of 2phrase
: to bring (something) to a state in which no further activity happens : to end (something)
Negotiations brought a stop to the conflict.
We need to put a stop to these practices.
She wanted to put a stop to the rumors.
Examples of stop in a Sentence
Noun
His first stop will be Washington, D.C.
Our first stop has to be the gas station.
I need to make a stop at the grocery store on the way home.
The next stop is Main Street and Tower Square.
I'm getting off at the next stop.
Slow down as you approach the stop.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Michael Jordan eventually put a stop to that by scoring 55 points in Game 4 to lead the eventual champion Bulls to the victory on their home floor.
—Brian Mahoney, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
On a full tank, that means 466 miles (750 km) between fueling stops—talk about a proper grand tourer.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
The singer-songwriter appeared polished and professional throughout, but never quite found the personal connection that might have transformed a hometown opening slot into a memorable hometown moment, largely treating the biggest Charlotte performance of her career like any other stop on the tour.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stop
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In fact, the Sacramento Bee made a recent stop at Camden Spit and Larder to revisit their California take on British cuisine.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Michael Jordan eventually put a stop to that by scoring 55 points in Game 4 to lead the eventual champion Bulls to the victory on their home floor.
—Brian Mahoney, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
On a full tank, that means 466 miles (750 km) between fueling stops—talk about a proper grand tourer.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
The singer-songwriter appeared polished and professional throughout, but never quite found the personal connection that might have transformed a hometown opening slot into a memorable hometown moment, largely treating the biggest Charlotte performance of her career like any other stop on the tour.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stop
Cite this Entry
“Stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stop. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stop
1 of 3 verb
stopped; stopping
1
: to close an opening by filling or blocking it : plug
nose stopped up by a cold
2
: restrain sense 1a, prevent
stopped me from going
3
: to interrupt or prevent from continuing or occurring : check
couldn't stop the noise
4
: to instruct one's bank not to pay
stop payment on a check
5
: to halt the movement or progress of
stop the car
6
: to change the pitch of (as a violin string) by pressing with the finger
7
a
: to bring action or operation to an end
the motor stopped
b
: to come to an end
sit down when the music stops
8
: to make a visit
stopping with friends for a week
stop
2 of 3 noun2
a
: a series of similar organ pipes that vary by pitch but have the same tone quality
b
: stop knob
—often used in phrases like pull out all the stops to suggest holding nothing back
3
: something that delays, blocks, or brings to a halt : impediment, obstacle
4
: a device for halting or limiting motion
the door was held open by a stop
5
: the act of stopping : the state of being stopped
the train was brought to a sudden stop
6
: a halt in a journey : stay
made a quick stop to refuel
7
: a stopping place
a bus stop
8
chiefly British
: any of several punctuation marks
9
: a consonant in the uttering of which there is a step (as in the "p" of "apt" or the "g" of "tiger") when the breath passage is completely closed
10
: a function of an electronic device that stops a recording
stop
3 of 3 adjective
: serving to stop : designed to stop
stop line
stop signal
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