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

“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

After Zverev secured the lead, Fearnley disappeared off court for a medical time-out and he returned looking more at ease.

From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2025

The opposing coach calls a time-out to set up a press break, and, as my teammates jog off the court, they stare at me too.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

“Our job now,” third baseman Max Muncy said, “is to win several games and give him another chance because I know that next time out he’s going to dominate.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Following the 2-1 victory against Hull City at St James' Park last time out, he even paid for a supporter's birthday meal.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

During his time out of the octagon, he observed how the division changed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

I know there was controversy over Neco Williams' disallowed goal in their draw against Spurs last time out but I do think they got the decision right in the end.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

In February 1918, Elizebeth and William’s code-breaking class took time out for a photo.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• breather
• letup
• lull