downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm How to pronounce downtime (audio)
Synonyms of downtimenext
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

Synonyms of downtime

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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.
Viewed this way, protections such as immutable backups and isolated backup networks, often cut for budget reasons, look less like expenses and more like insurance against days of downtime. — Michael Wu, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Creating space for downtime, rest and connection really is a gift to guests coming to visit for any length of time. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 It’ll be filled with plenty of work to do and useful downtime for the beat-up SEC contender. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026 According to a synopsis from Hallmark, the movie — which filmed in Chicago over the summer — follows a freelance reporter who returns home to Chicago for some holiday downtime with her family before her next assignment. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for downtime

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Browse Nearby Words

downtick
downtime
down to
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Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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