clean out

phrasal 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

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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.
The collapsible trash cans are also great for camping or cleaning out your garage. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Tasty Flavors still needs to obtain their licenses from the city, but the owners are ready to clean out the building and start moving in by the weekend of Oct 3-5. Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025 But the local water management district wanted more and demanded that Koontz spend around $150,000 to clean out some district irrigation districts miles away from his property. James Burling, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 Use a toothpick or metal pin to clean out any remaining deposits. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clean out

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Cite this Entry

“Clean out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clean%20out. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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