: 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

Recent Examples on the Web This time the charges relate to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, charges that Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election — accusations of an out-and-out threat to democracy. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Aug. 2023 But out-and-out defamation would seem to be off the table. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 26 June 2023 Unlike some companies, however, platform sharing at VW-Audi doesn't mean out-and-out cloning. Tony Swan, Car and Driver, 3 June 2023 Though there is only space for one pure wideman in the current four-man midfield system, Dembele is the out-and-out first choice while the likes of positional rivals Ansu Fati, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres could all be sold in the upcoming transfer window. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 4 May 2023 But no one dared to make an out-and-out MCU comedy until Taika Waititi's Thor: Ragnarok. Gwen Ihnat, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2023 This was an out-and-out conspiracy to kill six kids. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2023 While Wong scores more and Norchad Omier is a more out-and-out post presence, Miller on paper possesses the kind of versatility and athleticism at the four that’s presented IU with persistent matchup issues this season. Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Mar. 2023 View Photos As an out-and-out rapscallion, the quiet-riot GLI ridicules ostensibly more sporting machinery. Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 15 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'out-and-out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near out-and-out

Cite this Entry

“Out-and-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out-and-out. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

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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