outgoing

adjective

out·​go·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce outgoing (audio)
-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ
1
a
: going away : departing
an outgoing ship
b
: retiring or withdrawing from a place or position
the outgoing president
c
: directed to an intended recipient
outgoing mail
2
: openly friendly and responsive : extroverted
His outgoing personality made him popular at school.
outgoingness noun

Examples of outgoing in a Sentence

Outgoing mail goes in this box. a salesman whose aggressively outgoing personality could sometimes be overbearing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What was meant to be a tribute to the district's outgoing superintendent has raised questions for Jefferson County Board of Education members about how district leaders are spending a massive donation, particularly without board oversight or approval. Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 July 2025 When leadership transitions start quietly, those closest to the outgoing person are often treated with caution or suspicion. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 While the May primary is still 10 months away, the race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has started to heat up, and the candidates vying for his seat are ready to promote and defend their policy stances. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025 The outgoing Portuguese viceroy and the archbishop of Goa were also on board, along with approximately 200 enslaved individuals from Mozambique. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for outgoing

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outgoing was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Outgoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outgoing. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

outgoing

adjective
out·​go·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌgō-iŋ How to pronounce outgoing (audio)
1
a
: going out : departing
outgoing tide
b
: retiring from a position
the outgoing governor
2
: being at ease and friendly when dealing with others
an outgoing person

More from Merriam-Webster on outgoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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