lookout

1 of 2

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lookout (audio)
1
: one engaged in keeping watch : watchman
2
: an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation
3
: a careful looking or watching
on the lookout
4
5
: a matter of care or concern

look out

2 of 2

verb

looked out; looking out; looks out

intransitive verb

: to take care or concern oneself
used with for
looking out for number one

Examples of lookout in a Sentence

Noun The troops posted a lookout for the night. The mountain road had several lookouts where you could enjoy the view. Verb if you go in those woods, look out for snakes! as a fiduciary, she has an obligation to look out for our interests
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.
Noun
While the campsites are not directly on the sand, there are several lookout points to see Pacific waves crash on the shoreline, plus staircases that lead down to the beach. Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 June 2025 Another option is to take the Silver Moccasin Trail to other segments of the forest, including a 6.6-mile hike to the Vetter Mountain fire lookout, where you can be inducted into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Squirrels. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Verb
What to Look for in Shoes for Traveling & What to Avoid, According to a Podiatrist When sorting out your shoe situation for traveling, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, says there are a few quick things to look out for. Olivia Marcus, StyleCaster, 20 June 2025 Made 11 league appearances for Forest in 2023-24, without looking out of place. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lookout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lookout was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lookout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lookout. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lookout

noun
look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lookout (audio)
1
: a person who keeps watch
2
: a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
3
: a careful looking or watching
4
5
: a matter of care or concern
the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout

More from Merriam-Webster on lookout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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