downtime

noun

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

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.
Update: According to the in-game timer at the end of the live-event, downtime will last 5.5 hours, meaning Season 3 will launch at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 Video calls have reduced the need for in-person meetings, and with flyers now able to answer emails or even join a virtual meeting in mid-air, in-air downtime is rapidly shrinking on subsonic flight. Edward Russell, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 For your downtime Going out Restaurants: Here are the best places to eat and drink this month, according to our food writers. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 During their downtime, Canadian Rangers played cards in Inuvik. Gavin John, New York Times, 31 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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