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
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.
My power had went out for a while, which is the least of the f–king worries. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 May 2025 Together with staff and players, there’s nothing going out and in. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Oscar de la Renta Crystal O Charm Though this is also technically a bag charm, technicality goes out the window after the first glance at this precious chain-link charm from Oscar de la Renta — which stuns with its many-colored glass crystals in the shape of the luxury brand’s logo. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025 Off!’s final act: Punk legend Keith Morris and company go out with a bang onstage and on film Once again, the internet flooded with Black Flag memes keying on the considerable age gap between Ginn, who is 70, and his new bandmates who look many decades, if not generations, younger. Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for go out

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 Jun. 2025.

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
5
: to become obsolete or unfashionable
6
: to engage in social activities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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