ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shutting

v. · n.
US //ˈʃətɪŋ// UK //ʃˈʌtɪŋ// shut·ting
  1. 1 closing a door or lid (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    the act of closing something so that it is no longer open.

    the action of moving a door, lid, or cover so that it fills an opening.

    Example

    I heard the sound of someone shutting the front door downstairs.

    Example

    The constant shutting of the heavy oak doors echoed through the library, disturbing the students who were trying to concentrate on their research.
  2. 2 stopping a business (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    closing a shop, factory, or business for a short time or forever.

    the act of ceasing operations of a commercial or industrial establishment, either temporarily or permanently.

    Example

    The council is shutting the local library because they don't have enough money.

    Example

    The sudden shutting of the steel mill devastated the local economy, leaving hundreds of skilled workers without immediate employment prospects.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 the act of closing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the physical movement or sound of something being closed.

    the specific instance or sound of an object being moved into a closed position.

    Example

    The loud shutting of the gate woke the dog up.

    Example

    The rhythmic shutting of the hydraulic valves was the only sound audible in the otherwise silent engine room.

© 2026 English Reference