WordGarden.iotimeout
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈaɪmaʊt/
US
- /ˈtaɪˌmaʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a temporary stop in play that is officially called during a game
a failure or cutoff when a digital system waits too long for a response
a short period away from activity used as discipline or to calm down
Beyond the definition
A timeout is not just for basketball games. It is a short pause when things get too heated, too busy, or simply need a reset. Think of it as pressing pause for a moment so people can calm down, think clearly, or decide what to do next. A parent might give a child a timeout for bad behavior, meaning the child has to sit quietly for a short time. In sports, a coach calls one to talk with the team. In technology, a system may stop waiting if a program or website takes too long to respond. In each case, the idea is the same: step back for a moment before things get worse.
The word "timeout" first became common in sports, especially basketball, where it means a short official pause in play. During that pause, players and coaches can talk strategy, rest, and regroup before the game starts again. Over time, the meaning spread far beyond sports.
Today, a timeout can mean any temporary pause in an activity. People use it when a situation is becoming stressful, noisy, tense, or unhelpful. A parent might send a child to timeout as a form of discipline, giving the child a chance to calm down and think about their behavior. In a difficult conversation, one person might ask for a timeout so everyone can cool off and come back in a better state of mind.
The term is also very common in technology. If a website, app, or program takes too long to respond, it may time out. That means it failed to finish within the allowed time limit. People also use the word in everyday life for a deliberate break from work, pressure, or responsibility when they need to reset and regain focus.
In general, a timeout is a useful pause: a moment to step back, settle down, and return with more control or clarity. Whether it happens in a game, at home, during a conversation, or inside a computer system, the core idea is the same. Something stops for a short time so it can continue in a better way.
Examples
- 1
Sports
The coach called a timeout with twenty seconds left in the game.
- 2
Discussion break
We took a timeout and came back to the discussion later.
- 3
Classroom discipline
The teacher gave him a timeout for shouting in class.
- 4
Website security
For security, the website has a ten-minute timeout if you stay inactive.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Network error
The payment failed because of a network timeout.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- time out
Used with (collocations)
- call a timeout
- take a timeout
- timeout period
Word family
- timeouts
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- timeout