closeout

1 of 2

noun

close·​out ˈklōz-ˌau̇t How to pronounce closeout (audio)
Synonyms of closeoutnext
1
: a clearing out by a sale usually at reduced prices of the whole remaining stock (as of a business)
2
: an article offered or bought at a closeout

close out

2 of 2

verb

closed out; closing out; closes out

transitive verb

1
a
b
: preclude
close out his chances
2
a
: to dispose of a whole stock of by sale
b
: to dispose of (a business)
c
: sell
closed out his share of the business
d
: to put (an account) in order for disposal or transfer
3
a
: to bring to an often rapid or abrupt conclusion
close out a career
b
: to discontinue operation of

intransitive verb

1
: to sell out a business
2
: to buy or sell securities or commodities in order to terminate an account

Examples of closeout in a Sentence

Noun a store that sells closeouts Verb the team closed out the season with major losses don't assume an attitude that closes out any possibility of a compromise
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.
Noun
On Paul George’s early closeout, Anunoby swings the ball to Miles McBride, target-practice for a knockdown shooter in yet another breakout season in New York. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 End-of-season closeout deals are up to 81% off, including comforters filled with goose feathers, gel fibers, silk, and more. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
The Spurs turned to the latter idea to close out the Celtics. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026 The whimsical designs continue in the latter half of the year, with Fin the Shark in July, Surfer Dude in August, Rainbow Kitty Kat in September, Web the Spider — paired with Monster Mash — in October, Tom the Turkey in November and Rudy the Reindeer to close out the year in December. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for closeout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of closeout was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Closeout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closeout. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

closeout

noun
close·​out ˈklōz-ˌau̇t How to pronounce closeout (audio)
: a sale of leftover merchandise
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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