# timeout

/ˈtaɪˌmaʊt/ (US) · /tˈaɪmaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/timeout
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a short break from an activity, often used in sports or when a child is behaving badly. You use it to stop what is happening and rest or think.

For teachers: a brief suspension of activity, typically for rest, strategy, or disciplinary purposes. Often used in competitive sports or as a behavioral management technique for children.

## Examples

- The coach called a timeout to discuss the next play.
- After the toddler threw his toys, his mother gave him a five-minute timeout to calm down.
- The head coach strategically utilized his final timeout during the closing seconds of the fourth quarter to organize a high-percentage scoring play.

## Usage notes

- Often written as two words ('time out') when used as a phrasal verb or in general contexts, but frequently closed as 'timeout' in sports and computing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.