: being such completely at all times, in every way, or from every point of view
an out-and-out fraud

Examples of out-and-out in a Sentence

an out-and-out cheater at every game she plays her story is not just an exaggeration, it's an out-and-out lie mounted an out-and-out effort to find the lost child
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.
Ilia Gruev seems like the out-and-out stand-in for Ampadu, while Ao Tanaka has that vision and passing to compete with Longstaff for what feels like the final slot in the starting XI. Beren Cross, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 Amid the typical clamor of summer blockbusters, an out-and-out farce is like an oasis in the desert. David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025 The space: An out-and-out stunning patio perched on an historic spot in The Seaport. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025 Since Miguel Almiron departed in January, Murphy has been the only out-and-out right-wing option, with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and William Osula deputising there. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for out-and-out

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of out-and-out was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Out-and-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out-and-out. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

out-and-out

adjective
ˌau̇t-ᵊn-ˈ(d)au̇t
: being exactly what is stated : complete, thoroughgoing
an out-and-out crook

More from Merriam-Webster on out-and-out

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