lookout

1 of 2

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

1

: one engaged in keeping watch : watchman

2

: an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation

3

: a careful looking or watching

on the lookout

4

: view, outlook

5

: a matter of care or concern

look out

2 of 2

verb

looked out; looking out; looks out

intransitive verb

: to take care or concern oneself

—used with for

looking out for number one

Synonyms of lookout

Noun

• overlook
• observatory
• tower

Verb

• watch out (for)
• guard (against)
• notice
• beware (of)

Examples of lookout in a Sentence

Noun

The troops posted a lookout for the night.

The mountain road had several lookouts where you could enjoy the view.

Verb

if you go in those woods, look out for snakes!

as a fiduciary, she has an obligation to look out for our interests

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are stunning views of the city from the various lookouts atop Mount Royal. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026

Lin is asking collectors and vendors to be on the lookout and to let the arcade or police know if the cards are spotted. — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Verb

That depends on the specific logistics of your trip, but there are a few universal things to look out for. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 30 June 2026

Then Richie is taking off on his flight to Japan, nervously looking out the window, when a hand reaches out to comfort him. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lookout

• be on the lookout for
• keep a lookout for
• on the lookout for
• someone's lookout

Rhymes for lookout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

lookout

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

1

: a person who keeps watch

2

: a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible

3

: a careful looking or watching

4

: outlook sense 1b

5

: a matter of care or concern

the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout