give out

verb

gave out; given out; giving out; gives out
Synonyms of give outnext

transitive verb

1
a
: declare, publish
giving out that the doctor … required a few days of complete rest.Charles 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.
Stop giving out your leftovers Psychologist Guy Winch writes in his new book, Mind Over Grind, that overworking, or tying too much of your identity to work, can increase conflict at home as your work and family demands collide. Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The transmission gave out halfway home, and the car finished the trip on a U-Haul trailer. Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026 Since, 2022, the clinic has served more than 10,000 patient visits and given out more than 3 million pounds of food, according to hospital officials. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 Scott Wagers, a recipient of 10 Little Caesars pizzas that were given out on behalf of CHAM Deliverance Ministry, a local charity that feeds the homeless, recalled being shocked that the athlete showed up to deliver the food himself. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 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 25 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster