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

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.
Since then, Bozeman has become a place where Bryant fills her downtime with hikes, sound baths, chanting and good food. Lindzi Scharf, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026 Carmaker Mercedes Benz uses digital twins of its factories and assembly lines to reduce downtime, and also to test its driving software in simulations before real-world deployment. Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 For grid-scale storage, better forecasting can optimize maintenance schedules and minimize downtime, improving the reliability of renewable energy systems. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026 And at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, there's also a new Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor areas, state-of-the-art Teens’ Club, and babysitting services available for when the grownups need some guilt-free downtime at the spa or on the beach. Sheryl Nance Nash, USA Today, 24 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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