give out

verb

gave out; given out; giving out; gives out

transitive verb

1
a
: declare, publish
giving out that the doctor … required a few days of complete restCharles Dickens
b
: to read aloud the words of (a hymn or psalm) for congregational singing
2
: emit
gave out a constant hum
3
: issue
gave out new uniforms

intransitive verb

1
2
: to become exhausted : collapse

Examples of give out in a Sentence

that's information that I'm not prepared to give out this heater gives out a funny smell sometimes
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.
She's also had to warn her sons not to give out their Social Security numbers when the fake Geico folks started calling them. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 8 July 2025 The Family Order is personally given out by the monarch without consultation with the government, traditionally after a female royal has been acting as a working member of the family for several years. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 8 July 2025 This year, the office’s Third Annual Vets & Friends Barbecue gave out a little something extra to attendees, too: a 25-pound box of food courtesy of the Food Bank of NWI. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 But officials hesitate to give out any additional information on any other missing people, shifting the tone of the mission. ABC News, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for give out

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of give out was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20out. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

give out

verb
1
2
: to become exhausted : collapse
3
4
: to pass out : issue
give out the new books

More from Merriam-Webster on give out

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