clean out
verb
cleaned out; cleaning out; cleans out
1
: to remove unwanted things from (a room, closet, etc.)
We spent the weekend cleaning out the garage.
2
informal
: to steal or take everything from (someone or something)
The thieves broke in and cleaned out the store.
3
informal
: to use up all or most of the money of (someone)
Buying the house really cleaned us out. Now we're broke.
Examples of clean out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even a small garage clean out can make a big difference in how functional the space feels.
—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
1 July 2026
Some rehearse using a bedpan — placing it in the right spot, cleaning out the imaginary contents.
—
Elissa Nadworny,
NPR,
30 June 2026
Remove any remaining pieces of old line and clean out dirt, grass, and debris.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Friends clean out junk drawers and drop off the unwanted items on her porch.
—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clean out
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Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
1 July 2026
Some rehearse using a bedpan — placing it in the right spot, cleaning out the imaginary contents.
—
Elissa Nadworny,
NPR,
30 June 2026
Remove any remaining pieces of old line and clean out dirt, grass, and debris.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Friends clean out junk drawers and drop off the unwanted items on her porch.
—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clean out
Cite this Entry
“Clean out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clean%20out. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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