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 of lookout

Noun

• overlook
• observatory
• tower

Verb

• watch out (for)
• guard (against)
• notice
• beware (of)

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

So far, the fly has not been detected in California, but scientists are on the lookout. —Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Tsietsi sent one of them to the front as a lookout, while the others eagerly plied him with questions about his activities. —Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Verb

Sorsby’s lawsuit against the NCAA claimed the organization was not looking out for his best interest and welfare in banning him. —Justin Williams, New York Times, 23 June 2026

On a coastal island near Tampa Bay, this 2017 contemporary Mediterranean features an observation terrace that looks out to palms, a canal, and Gulf sunsets. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 June 2026

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