noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/ˈtaɪm.aʊt/
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈtaɪm ˈaʊt/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:T AY1 M AW2 T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A short break in the action of a sport, for substitution, consultation, etc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports
Examples
We're being beaten! We need a time-out!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A break from a tense, heated or stressful situation (often enforced, sometimes as a disciplinary measure); a cooling-off period.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: childish
Examples
I'm going to take a brief time-out from this job.
Hitting people is not acceptable! Go to your room and take a time-out!
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A perhaps temporary break in a relationship.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: informal
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The abortion of an incomplete task after a time limit considered long enough for it to end normally.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: communication, communications
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
