lookout

1 of 2

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

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

: view, outlook

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

Synonyms

Noun

• overlook
• observatory
• tower

Verb

• watch out (for)
• guard (against)
• notice
• beware (of)
• keep one's eyes peeled for

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

Noun

The complaint also alleges that Dennis did not maintain proper lookout, did not keep her vehicle under proper control, did not apply her brakes, and did not utilize the last clear chance, in addition to driving under the influence. —Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

These historic mines offer great mountainous lookouts. —Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Verb

Brandis looks out the window on a beautiful day at a singing bird and comes close to a smile. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025

And in May, Meghan celebrated Mother’s Day with a sweet photo of herself carrying both Archie and Lilibet while looking out over her yard. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lookout

• be on the lookout for
• keep a lookout for
• on the lookout for
• someone's lookout

Rhymes for lookout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

lookout

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

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

: outlook sense 1b

5

: a matter of care or concern

the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout