clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Examples of clear out in a Sentence

police used tear gas to clear out the demonstrators everyone cleared out as soon as the fire alarm began sounding
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Either way, the Blues need to clear out a defenseman and add more toughness to a blue line that’s been severely lacking it for years. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Markdowns are likely as the company clears out merchandise, based on how these closures typically unfold. Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025 The sweep came just days before a court hearing set for next Tuesday on camp residents’ request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily prevent the city from clearing out the area around Eighth and Harrison streets. Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 The fine exfoliant also helps clear out debris, leaving pores looking smoother and less noticeable. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear out

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of clear out was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clear out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear%20out. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

clear out

verb
1
: to go or run away often suddenly or secretly
a horse broke loose and cleared out
cleared out without paying me back
2
: to drive out or away usually with force
police cleared out the demonstrators
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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