checkout

1 of 2

noun

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

When 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

How much will my final hotel bill be at checkout?

—Bob Sullivan

—often used attributively

a 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)

check out

2 of 2

verb

checked out; checking out; checks out

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1

: 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

Synonyms

Verb

• die
• fall
• pass (on)
• perish
• pass away
• buy it
• step out

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

Noun

With these sheets, customers can scan a single barcode at checkout to access all advertised discounts, streamlining a process that otherwise required internet access and a smartphone. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

And unlike at Amazon, Brooklinen’s trendiest pieces come with special treats at checkout, such as a free canvas tote (yes, the one everyone seems to be hauling around city streets these days). —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

Verb

Just check out Mr Beast’s eye-wateringly expensive Beast Games for Prime Video. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 July 2025

It was checked out nine times in total from the five OCPS high schools that had it on library shelves. —Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1921, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for checkout

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

Kids 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 verb

ˈchek-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