brownout

American  

[broun-out] / ˈbraʊnˌaʊt /

noun

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

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

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brownout British  

/ ˈbraʊnˌaʊt /

noun

1. 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

2. a temporary reduction in electrical power Compare blackout

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

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brownout Cultural  

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

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Usage

What does brownout mean? A brownout is like a blackout, just not as bad.Where an electrical blackout means a loss of electricity, a brownout is a reduction in power. In a brownout, electric devices might still work, but be dimmer, slower, or generally less powerful.If someone blacks out drunk, they can't remember what they did. If someone browns out they have some memories, but only hazy or patchy ones.

Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of brownout

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

Example Sentences

Critics say wind farm projects are expensive, damage the environment and make the electrical grid less stable and more prone to brownout and blackouts.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023

Inside the former warehouse, the bar is replete with dark wood and brownout lighting.

From Washington Post • Jan. 10, 2019

There were many reasons to hope that this collection of letters would be great or near-great, yet “Selected Letters of Norman Mailer” is mostly low-wattage, a rolling brownout of his vast intellect and talent.

From New York Times • Nov. 25, 2014

“It was a brownout, not a blackout,” said Anderson of e failures that occurred after launching on Aug. 1.

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2013

Finally there was a brownout in the distance and Milton cheerily called out, “Ready!”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• blackness
• dark
• dusk
• gloom
• night
• obscurity