go out

verb

went out; gone out; going out; goes out

intransitive verb

1
a
: to go forth, abroad, or outdoors
specifically : to leave one's house
b(1)
: to take the field as a soldier
(2)
: to participate as a principal in a duel
c
: to travel as or as if a colonist or immigrant
d
: to work away from home
2
a
: to come to an end
b
: to give up office : resign
c
: to become obsolete or unfashionable
d(1)
: to play the last card of one's hand
(2)
: to reach or exceed the total number of points required for game in cards
e
: to bring a performance to a close
The band went out with a solid rendition of another Allmans classic …Joel Silverstein
3
a
: to take part in social activities
made plans to go out for drinks
b
: to date someone romantically
They've been going out for about six months.
4
: to go on strike
5
6
: to become a candidate
went out for the football team
Phrases
go out with a bang
: to die, end, or finish in a thrilling, forceful, or impressive way
Game of Thrones is known for its impressive production value, so it is understandable why HBO would want to go out with a bang, making the final episodes the biggest television has ever seen.Emily Murray

Examples of go out in a Sentence

there was concern that the dam would go out under the force of the flood waters she enjoys going out on weekends, but during the week she's a homebody
Recent Examples on the Web Manager Phil Nevin went out to Canning, seemingly to pull him from the game. Sarah Valenzuela, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 An Ohio teen missed her homecoming dance after undergoing surgery for a brain tumor, so a group of caregivers went out of their way to make it up to her. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2023 The flat sandal is comfortable to wear while walking but is dressy enough to wear while going out in the evenings. Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2023 Because solar was more expensive in the 2010s, many entered into leases with solar companies to defray upfront costs, and many were left in the lurch when those companies went out of business. Alana Semuels, Time, 26 Sep. 2023 Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. CBS News, 25 Sep. 2023 If one of us went out in Baton Rouge by ourselves, there’s probably gonna be someone there asking for something – picture, autograph, whatever. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2023 In October, after an event at Carnegie Hall where Dr. Cruz was the honoree for spirituality work, the couple went out to dinner with friends. Rosalie R. Radomsky, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2023 But, as always, Sanders went out of his way to deliver far beyond our wildest dreams. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'go 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

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of go out was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Go out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20out. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

go out

verb
1
: to leave one's home
2
: to stop working
3
: to stop burning or glowing
4
: to become a candidate
went out for the football team

More from Merriam-Webster on go out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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