Showing results for "time-out"

• a variation of timeout.

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• time-out
  time-out

  noun

  sport an interruption in play during which players rest, discuss tactics, or make substitutions
• time out
  time out

  A short break from work or play; also, a punishment for misbehavior in young children in which they are briefly separated from the group. For example, People rush around so much these days that I think everyone should take some time out now and then, or We don't throw food, Brian; you need some time out to think about it. This expression comes from a number of sports in which it signifies an interruption in play where the officials stop the clock, for purposes of rest, making a substitution, or consultation. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

time-out

British  

noun

1. sport an interruption in play during which players rest, discuss tactics, or make substitutions

2. a break taken during working hours

3. computing a condition occurring when the amount of time a computer has been instructed to wait for another device to perform a task has expired, usually indicated by an error message

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verb

1. (intr) (of a computer) to stop operating because of a time-out

time out Idioms  

1. A short break from work or play; also, a punishment for misbehavior in young children in which they are briefly separated from the group. For example, People rush around so much these days that I think everyone should take some time out now and then, or We don't throw food, Brian; you need some time out to think about it. This expression comes from a number of sports in which it signifies an interruption in play where the officials stop the clock, for purposes of rest, making a substitution, or consultation. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time-out time out

The public saw all that and could only wonder: Hasn’t C.K.’s time-out lasted long enough?

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

After the medical time-out, Alcaraz broke serve in the very next game to move two sets up, before rattling quickly through the third set to complete victory.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2025

Djokovic, who is bidding for a standalone record 25th major title, struggled with a lower back injury in the opening set and needed a medical time-out off the court.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2025

“We’re on a time-out, and without really determined focus and deliberate diplomacy, this will be a very long intermission while both sides regroup and think about the next round.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2025

There was sweat running down Coach Johnson’s cheeks during our time-out huddle; his sports coat was off and his armpits were soaked.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Russell said after the British Grand Prix last time out, where Antonelli suffered a second problem in three races that prevented him scoring, that the issues had now pretty much equalised across the two cars.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

One time out of a million the press might choose to lie or cover up the truth for what it considers higher reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Last time out in Barcelona, Mercedes were beaten in a grand prix for the first time this year with Lewis Hamilton taking victory.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

“Spending our time out here I think is just a great addition.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

How many would there be time for, as he rose and walked through the castle for the last time, out into the grounds and into the forest?

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• breather
• letup
• lull