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.
Mahle had plenty of downtime on the IL to fix what’s been a disastrous season. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Clip it to your book or magazine and enjoy screen-free downtime that won’t disturb anyone sleeping nearby. — Dena Ogden, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 And remember, not every moment of your child’s day needs to be booked up with an activity—there are benefits to downtime and even boredom. — Anna Earl, Parents, 27 June 2026 Extended downtime can also damage equipment. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on downtime

Nglish: Translation of downtime for Spanish Speakers

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