make out

verb

made out; making out; makes out

transitive verb

1

: to complete (something, such as a printed form) by supplying required information

make out a check

2

: to find or grasp the meaning of

tried to make out what had really happened

3

: to form an opinion or idea about : conclude

how do you make that out

4

a

: to represent as being

made them out to be losers

b

: to pretend to be true

made out that he had never heard of me

5

: to represent or delineate in detail

6

: to see and identify with difficulty or effort : discern

make out a ship through the fog

intransitive verb

1

: get along, fare

how are you making out with the new job

2

a

: to engage in sexual intercourse

b

: neck sense 1

Synonyms

• cope
• do
• fare
• get along
• get by
• get on
• manage
• shift

Examples of make out in a Sentence

we're not rich, but we're making out all right

I can't quite make out what she is trying to say.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just like, rolling up, being a f---ing freak at the bar or making out with someone at the bar. —Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

His car was far less powerful than Levegh’s Mors, 3 horsepower against 24, but the Renault was more modern with such features as a transmission with gears, not chains and wheels made out of metal not wood. —Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 16 July 2024

She’s moved on to making out with Sam M. Thomas N. takes breather outside and vents to Other Tomas about Devin — and that’s precisely when producers send Devin in to keep the fight going. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 16 July 2024

The manhole cover damaged was made out of bricks, unlike the concrete covers used in modern sewer systems. —Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

make out

verb

1

: to draw up in writing

make out a shopping list

2

: understand sense 1a

how do you make that out

3

: to represent as being

made her out a hero

4

: to see and identify with difficulty

make out a form in the fog

5

: succeed sense 2

make out well in business

6

: to engage in kissing and petting