brownout

[ broun-out ]

/ ˈbraʊnˌaʊt /

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See synonyms for brownout on Thesaurus.com

noun

the elimination of some or reduction of all electric lights of a city, especially as a precaution against attack in time of war.

any curtailment of electric power, as by a severe storm.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of brownout

1940–45; brown + out, on the model of blackout

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH brownout

blackout, brownout

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use brownout in a sentence

Really, is it any wonder that fluoride should freak people out?
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
For a while yoga and pilates classes were sought out at luxury gyms like Equinox.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
On Thursday, Garcetti ruled himself out of the race to succeed Boxer.
The Golden State Preps for the ‘Red Wedding’ of Senate Races|David Freedlander|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Police officials told the AP that they came out with guns blazing.
France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

“I think for trans men who are dating every time they hook up they have another coming out,” Sandler said.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And he was gone, and out of sight on the swift galloping Benito, before Father Gaspara bethought himself.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
Most of the men leaped up, caught hold of spears or knives, and rushed out.
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
Liszt looked at it, and to her fright and dismay cried out in a fit of impatience, "No, I won't hear it!"
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
The case was an assault and battery that came off between two men named Brown and Henderson.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
The most High hath created medicines out of the earth, and a wise man will not abhor them.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

British Dictionary definitions for brownout

brownout

/ (ˈbraʊnˌaʊt) /

noun mainly US

a dimming or reduction in the use of electric lights in a city, esp to conserve electric power or as a defensive precaution in wartime

a temporary reduction in electrical powerCompare blackout (def. 3)

a temporary slowing down of the workings of the internet caused when too many users attempt to access it at the same time

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for brownout

brownout

A situation in which the voltage in a power grid is reduced below its normal level but not entirely eliminated. (Compare blackout.)

notes for brownout

This reduced voltage can result in damage to many electronic devices.

brownout

Origin of brownout

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH brownout

Words related to brownout

How to use brownout in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for brownout

Cultural definitions for brownout

notes for brownout