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

Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials are directed to stay open; however, buildings and facilities that generally remain locked during business hours, such as visitor centers, will remain closed. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

There are people in need everywhere, and this experience has taught me to be on the lookout. —Maureen Carrig, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025

Verb

Indy Champions has gone into IPS schools to teach teens about prevention and how to look out for the signs of domestic violence. —Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025

After putting up big offensive numbers to begin the season, the Razorbacks’ offense looked out of class against the Fighting Irish. —Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 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