shutout

1 of 2

noun

shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shutout (audio)
Synonyms of shutoutnext
1
: a game or contest in which one side fails to score
2
: a preemptive bid in bridge

shut out

2 of 2

verb

shut out; shutting out; shuts out

transitive verb

1
: exclude
2
: to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game or contest
3
: to forestall the bidding of (bridge opponents) by making a high or preemptive bid

Synonyms of shutout

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of shutout in a Sentence

Noun They beat us in a 9–0 shutout. Verb local residents feel that they have been shut out of the debate for expanding the airport
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.
Noun
Five — The Colts allowed Tennessee to score on all five of its second-half possessions after a first-half shutout. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, who had 19 saves for his third shutout in his last six starts, wasn’t pressured often, and the few shots that did fly his way missed the net. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
Cooper Black made 17 saves in his NHL debut for the Panthers, who were shut out for the first time this season and were playing the second of back-to-back games after a 5-1 road loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. — Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 Writing workshops provide a vital educational opportunity for people who are effectively shut out of traditional college programs. — Paula Grieve, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shutout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutout was in the 14th century

Rhymes for shutout

See All Rhymes for shutout

Browse Nearby Words

shut one's mouth
shutout
shut out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

shutout

1 of 2 noun
shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shutout (audio)
: a game in which one side fails to score

shut out

2 of 2 verb
ˌshət-ˈau̇t
1
: to keep something out : exclude
2
: to keep an opponent from scoring in a game
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