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
dropped out; dropping out; drops out
: 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
Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
These students face a future of academic struggles, higher dropout rates, and lower earning potential.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Pineville to see new mayor Mayor David Phillips dropped out of the election in July, leaving the seat open for his challenger, Council Member Amelia Stinson-Wesley.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dropout
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Noun
From a high school dropout and gang member who experienced homelessness to a PhD holder and founder of the Love Beyond Walls non-profit, Lester shares his journey navigating the trauma of poverty while exposing the systemic educational injustices that trap Black communities.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
These students face a future of academic struggles, higher dropout rates, and lower earning potential.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Now Danny Rohl — unattached after quitting Sheffield Wednesday — has dropped out of contention too.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Pineville to see new mayor Mayor David Phillips dropped out of the election in July, leaving the seat open for his challenger, Council Member Amelia Stinson-Wesley.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dropout
Cite this Entry
“Dropout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dropout. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit
dropped out of school
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