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 In Arizona, wind gusts neared 60 mph in Yuma County, where officials gave out thousands of sandbags. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2023 The Yankees gave out bobbleheads of Maris on Sunday, commemorating his 61-homer season in 1961. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2023 If the city doesn’t follow state rules, any speeding tickets deputies give out wouldn’t be valid. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2023 Special tribute awards were also given out, with Steven Spielberg virtually accepting the Eva Monley Award. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 26 Aug. 2023 Instead of giving out more grief, why not try a little compassion for others who are struggling just like you? Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2023 Handing out too much money in scholarships The Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship has had more interest this most recent fiscal year, giving out $4 million in vouchers. Courtney Tanner, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023 The man certainly gave it his all for the Angels, leaving two starts early with cramps, sitting out two weeks for fatigue, and coming back for one final inning until his elbow gave out. Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023 That her heart might one day give out struck me as both impossible and indecent: Carmen was defined by her heart. Jennifer Senior, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'give out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near give out

Cite this Entry

“Give out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20out. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!