1
: a brief suspension of activity : break
especially : a suspension of play in an athletic game
2
: a quiet period used especially as a disciplinary measure for children

Examples of time-out in a Sentence

we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The 32-year-old can be seen in the clip sprinting away from a secondary stage at the event while making a time-out gesture with his hands. EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Today was to be the start of the second week of congestion pricing, which was due to begin last Sunday at midnight before Gov. Hochul called for a time-out. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 July 2024 In an operating room, for example, anyone can call a time-out. Caitlin Rivers, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024 All overhead Caitlin Clark discourse can use a time-out. Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for time-out 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of time-out was circa 1896

Dictionary Entries Near time-out

Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time-out. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

time-out

noun
ˈtī-ˈmau̇t
1
: a stopping of play (as in a game) usually for a short time
2
: a quiet period used especially as a way to discipline children
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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