shutout

1 of 2

noun

shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shutout (audio)
1
: a game or contest in which one side fails to score
2
: a preemptive bid in bridge

shut out

2 of 2

verb

shut out; shutting out; shuts out

transitive verb

1
2
: to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game or contest
3
: to forestall the bidding of (bridge opponents) by making a high or preemptive bid

Examples of shutout in a Sentence

Noun They beat us in a 9–0 shutout. Verb local residents feel that they have been shut out of the debate for expanding the airport
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Thursday’s 30-save shutout against Vegas was a great reminder, but his overall numbers (.901 save percentage, 2.45 goals saved below expected) are still miles short of his ceiling. Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Stauber appeared in four games, earning two wins and recording the franchise's first shutout. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Perhaps Schumer will revisit a Trump collaboration now that Democrats will be shut out of power in Washington for the next two years. W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025 The former Baltimore Ravens and Giants defensive coordinator flexed his pedigree down the stretch of the Wolverines’ season, shutting out Ohio State’s offense in the second half of a 13-10 upset at The ‘Shoe before holding Alabama to three second-half points to end the year with a bang. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shutout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutout was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near shutout

Cite this Entry

“Shutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutout. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shutout

1 of 2 noun
shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shutout (audio)
: a game in which one side fails to score

shut out

2 of 2 verb
ˌshət-ˈau̇t
1
: to keep something out : exclude
2
: to keep an opponent from scoring in a game

More from Merriam-Webster on shutout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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