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time out

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌtaɪm ˈaʊt/

time out means: A short pause in a sports game, often so a coach can speak to the players.

noun

GAME PAUSEB1

A short pause in a sports game, often so a coach can speak to the players.

  • The coach called a time out.
  • We discussed our next move during the time out.
  • Does the team have another time out left?

Similar words: timeout

Common phrases: call a time out, take a time out

REST BREAKB1

A short break from a stressful activity so you can relax.

  • I need a time out.
  • She took a time out from the argument.
  • A short time out helped us feel calmer.

How to use it: a time out from something (I need a time out from work.)

Similar words: break, breather

Common phrases: take a time out, need a time out

verb

REACH TIME LIMITB2

To stop automatically because a task has taken longer than the allowed time.

  • The connection timed out.
  • Our download timed out before it finished.
  • Does the request time out after a minute?

How to use it: time out after + period (The connection will time out after thirty seconds.)

Similar words: expire

Common phrases: time out automatically, time out after seconds

Questions about time out

What does time out mean?

A short pause in a sports game, often so a coach can speak to the players.

What is time out in other languages?

Türkçe: mola · Español: tiempo muerto · Français: temps mort · Deutsch: Auszeit · Italiano: tempo morto · 日本語: タイムアウト

How do you pronounce time out?

It is pronounced /ˌtaɪm ˈaʊt/.

How do you use time out in a sentence?

The coach called a time out. We discussed our next move during the time out.

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