close down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; used in formal, informal, and journalistic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “close down” mean?
(of a business, factory, or organization) to stop operating permanently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(of a business, factory, or organization) to stop operating permanently.
To stop broadcasting (for a TV/radio station); to cause something to cease functioning; to end or terminate an activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used identically in meaning. 'Shut down' is a more common synonym in AmE, while 'close down' is equally common in BrE.
Connotations
Slight nuance: In BrE, 'close down' can sound slightly more formal/official than 'shut down'. In AmE, 'shut down' is often the default for factories/businesses.
Frequency
Higher relative frequency in BrE. 'Shut down' is more frequent in AmE for the same meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “close down” in a Sentence
[business] + close down[business] + close down + [location]close down + [business]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “close down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The local cinema will close down in March.
- The government is forcing the polluting factory to close down.
- The radio station closes down at 1 a.m.
American English
- The plant is scheduled to close down next quarter.
- They had to close the branch down after years of losses.
- The network closes down that channel overnight.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard as adverb)
American English
- N/A (not standard as adverb)
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard as adjective)
American English
- N/A (not standard as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board decided to close down the unprofitable division.
Academic
The research project was closed down due to lack of funding.
Everyday
My favourite café is closing down next week.
Technical
The reactor was safely closed down for maintenance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “close down”
- *The shop closed down for lunch. (Use 'closed' or 'shut')
- *They might close down it. (Correct: close it down)
- Using it for temporary closures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Close' often means to shut temporarily (e.g., a shop closes at 5 p.m.). 'Close down' means to cease operations permanently (e.g., a shop closes down forever).
Yes, it's a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'They closed down the factory' or 'They closed the factory down'.
Not literally. It's used for organizations, activities, or systems. You might say 'He closed down emotionally' metaphorically.
The noun is 'closedown' (one word, less common) or more typically 'closure' or 'shutdown'.
(of a business, factory, or organization) to stop operating permanently.
Close down is usually neutral; used in formal, informal, and journalistic contexts. in register.
Close down: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkləʊz ˈdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkloʊz ˈdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The final curtain came down (on)”
- “Throw in the towel (related)”
- “Go to the wall (related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shopkeeper CLOSING the door and going DOWN the street for the last time.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUSINESS IS A LIVING ENTITY (it dies/ceases to function).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'close down' INCORRECTLY?