shutout

1 of 2

noun

shut·​out ˈshət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce shutout (audio)
Synonyms of shutoutnext
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
: exclude
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

Synonyms of shutout

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Verb

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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
His score with 44 seconds remaining set the final margin at a 62-0 shutout. — Raul Avila, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Vancouver's Yohei Takaoka, who did not record a save, has 10 shutouts this season, second most in the league (Hugo Lloris, 11). — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
Under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, USC shut out San Jose Staté in the first half, but its depth issues on defense were exposed in the fourth quarter. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 But Lake Zurich was shut out by Fremd in Week 1 and decided to start this rematch against Antioch with a simple plan. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for shutout

See All Rhymes for shutout

Browse Nearby Words

shut one's mouth
shutout
shut out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutout. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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