dropout

1 of 2

noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t 

1

a

: one who drops out of school

b

: one who drops out of conventional society

c

: one who abandons an attempt, activity, or chosen path

a corporate dropout

2

: a momentary defect on a magnetic tape or disk caused by a temporary loss of signal

drop out

2 of 2

verb

ˌdräp-ˈau̇t 

dropped out; dropping out; drops out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from participation or membership : quit

especially : to withdraw from conventional society

Examples of dropout in a Sentence

Noun

The program is designed for dropouts who wish to get high school equivalency certificates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Reese Witherspoon Witherspoon is a Stanford University dropout, though school was once her passion. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

According to the foundation, dropout rates eventually plummeted to 6% in Sevier County after the program was in place. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

Despite backlash from her own party and Republicans, Headen is refusing to drop out of the state race. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026

Before Malkovich decided to drop out, the performance was scheduled for April 13, 2027, at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dropout

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

Kids Definition

dropout

1 of 2 noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t 

: a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program

drop out

2 of 2 verb

dräp-ˈau̇t 

: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit

dropped out of school