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 The Trenton Channel power plant stacks went out with a bang. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024 The energy was palpable, and Timberlake went out with a bang. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Most typically go out on their own before the spring, according to the BBC, but 91 are still burning in BC, according to provincial data, and those that are not extinguished by March could reignite once the snow melts and they are exposed to air. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 Mack allegedly paid for air fares, hotels and car rental costs for up to a dozen women who would go out and steal goods before sending them to Mack's home. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 But after the lights go out and come back on, Mr. Boddy is the body on the floor. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The memo went out after the Federal Aviation Administration finished a six-week review of the company’s manufacturing processes for the 737 Max jetliner after a panel blew off one of the planes during an Alaska Airlines flight on Jan. 5. David Koenig, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 It was previously shopped at HBO Max (now Max) but is now set to go out to a wide range of possible buyers. Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 On Watch What Happens Live Tuesday, Tisdale was asked about going out for the role of Karen Smith, the lovable airhead eventually played by Amanda Seyfried. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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