check out

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 of check out

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

Examples of check out in a Sentence

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

To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 8 June 2026

And with the property celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, there was no better time to check out what many consider the best resort in Florida. —Katie Riley, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

But if you're not convinced yet, check out even more info on Trade's website or browse some of the bestselling subscription plans below to get started. —Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 8 June 2026

Don’t be shy about checking out the minibar as its contents are part of the room rate. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for check out

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

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