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

Recent Examples on the Web

The tweezers can grab small, difficult to pull screws and parts, while the toothpick can clean out tight spaces and creases around the machine – just remember not to use it to clean out your teeth later on. —New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025

To keep them clean, use a stiff brush at least quarterly to clean out sludge and food particles. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

The pair take a break from their clean out after discarding the majority of their belongings. —Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

People cleaning out flooded homes also face risks from mold exposure, injuries and mental distress. —Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for clean out

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