cry out

verb

cried out; crying out; cries out
1
: to make a loud sound because of pain, fear, surprise, etc.
She cried out in pain.
2
: to speak in a loud voice : to say something loudly or from a distance
We could hear them on the shore crying out to us, so we waved.
She cried out for help.
3
used to say that something clearly needs or should have a particular thing, person, use, etc.
often + to be
A chair like this cries out to be used, not kept in some museum.
The meal cried out to be eaten with a nice white wine.
often + for
The meal cried out for a nice white wine.
The job cries out for someone who's not afraid to take chances.

Cite this Entry

“Cry out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cry%20out. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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