check·out
ˈchek-ˌau̇t 
1
: the action or an instance of checking out
… Educators receive new library card privileges, including 100 simultaneous checkouts …—
Andrew Wilson and Leanne Ellis
Andrew Wilson and Leanne EllisWhen I forget to bring my reusable shopping bags to the store, I ask for a brown paper sack at checkout instead of a plastic one.—Claire Haffernean
Claire HafferneanHow much will my final hotel bill be at checkout?—Bob Sullivan
—often used attributivelyBob Sullivana checkout line/counter
2
: the time at which a lodger must vacate a room (as in a hotel) or be charged for retaining it
3
: a counter or area in a store where goods are checked out
4
a
: the action of examining and testing something for performance, suitability, or readiness
b
: the action of familiarizing oneself with the operation of a mechanical thing (such as an airplane)
checked out; checking out; checks out
1
: to vacate and pay for one's lodging (as at a hotel)
2
: die
3
: to have the cost of purchases totaled and pay the cost
Self-service kiosks—those ATM-like machines that let you check in at the airport or check out at the grocery store all on your own—are sweeping into more retailers and service spots.—Barbara Kiviat
Barbara Kiviat1
: to satisfy all requirements in taking away
checked out a library book
2
a
: to itemize and total the cost of and receive payment for (outgoing merchandise) especially in a self-service store
b
: to have the cost totaled and pay for (purchases) at a checkout
Examples of checkout in a Sentence
Noun
She paid for the room at checkout.
There was a long line at the checkout.
Verb
check out the house and let me know if you think it's worth buying
there are a lot of sights around the world that I want to see before I check out
Recent Examples on the Web
Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
The rewards need to be shown in-store at checkout for a free protein coffee smoothie.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
In fact, Splitit anticipates an increase in average order value of 15 to 25 percent, with shoppers checking out more high-value items and building bigger baskets.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for checkout
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.
Noun
No more surprise charges at checkout.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
The rewards need to be shown in-store at checkout for a free protein coffee smoothie.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
To find more of the best deals in Nordstrom’s fall sale, check out the rest of our top picks below with everything from flowy dresses to accessories like jewelry and sunglasses, jackets, bucket bags, and more.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
In fact, Splitit anticipates an increase in average order value of 15 to 25 percent, with shoppers checking out more high-value items and building bigger baskets.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for checkout
Cite this Entry
“Checkout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkout. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
checkout
1 of 2 noun
check·out
ˈchek-ˌau̇t
1
: the action or an instance of checking out
2
: the time at which a lodger must leave a room (as in a hotel)
3
: a counter at which checking out is done
check out
2 of 2 verbˈchek-ˈau̇t
1
: to pay for one's room and leave (as from a hotel)
2
: to satisfy requirements for taking away
check a book out at the library
3
a
: to add up the cost of purchases and receive payment for them
b
: to have the cost of purchases added up and pay for them
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share