timeout

or time-out

[ tahym-out ]

noun

, plural time·outs.

1. a brief suspension of activity; intermission or break.
2. Sports. a short interruption in a regular period of play during which a referee or other official stops the clock so that the players may rest, deliberate, make substitutions, etc.
3. a short time alone used as a punishment or consequence for a child who is misbehaving.
4. Computers.
   1. the termination of a process or event that is taking longer than expected to proceed, and that is more likely to be successful if relaunched, resubmitted, etc.
   2. the severing of an online connection after a period of inactivity, as when a user is logged out of a secure session on a webpage after a fixed period of time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of timeout¹

First recorded in 1870–75; time ( def ) + out ( def )

Example Sentences

“In the timeout before the conversion I literally said, ‘Throw me the ball,’” said LaRosa, a senior who is committed to Cal State Fullerton for soccer.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of the choices are relatively small — what play to call out of a timeout, when to use a challenge, how to adjust a pick-and-roll coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

The fans even booed George when the Clippers showed a tribute video on the Halo Board of his highlights while with L.A. during a timeout in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Davis hobbled after a couple of awkward landings on his left foot, falling to the ground and forcing the Lakers to call timeout midway through the fourth quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Later, facing a fourth and one at Nebraska’s eight-yard line, the Bruins lined up to go for it before Nebraska called a timeout.

From Los Angeles Times