n. 1. The period of time when something, such as a factory or a piece of machinery, is not in operation, especially as the result of a malfunction. 2. A period of time when one is not working or engaged in a planned activity: "Railroaders' sleep habits are constantly disrupted, and their downtime is rarely long enough to ensure a good night's rest" (Jeff Goodell). |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.