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
Rudy Gobert picked up a technical foul and his fifth flagrant foul of the season — which will result in a one-game suspension against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday — for a reckless closeout on a 3 by Wembanyama. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 The closeout crew that would during launch day secure the astronauts onboard Orion will be on site to practice their procedures, though. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
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 14 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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