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

Emily was already the guiltiest college dropout in all of Western Canada. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 June 2026

Conn portrayed beauty-school dropout Frenchy in the film, the cast of which also included stars such as Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, Stockard Channing and Jeff Conaway. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Verb

Soon after Racicot’s allegations became public on Monday, prominent Platner supporters began rescinding their endorsements and encouraging him to drop out. — Philip Elliott, Time, 9 July 2026

Missy Hughes, the state’s former economic development director, dropped out of the race in June and endorsed Rodriguez. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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