outgrow

verb

out·​grow ˌau̇t-ˈgrō 

outgrew ˌau̇t-ˈgrü  ; outgrown ˌau̇t-ˈgrōn  ; outgrowing

transitive verb

1

: to grow or increase faster than

… mankind is outgrowing food supplies.

—R. C. Murphy

2

: to grow too large or too mature for

outgrew his best suit

the need to outgrow the habit of war

—Norman Cousins

Examples of outgrow in a Sentence

Kids outgrow their clothes so quickly.

The plant has outgrown my garden.

Our business is outgrowing its small office building.

She's outgrown most of her toys.

I realized that I had outgrown my old high school friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

The backstory Travelers who have long outgrown the South Beach scene (or at least don’t want to be sleeping just a few feet above late-night revelry along Ocean Drive) have gravitated a handful of blocks north in pursuit and discovery of Faena over the past few years. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Keogh said Hein is not solely to blame for the financial management problems but also said Groveland had outgrown his management style as the city gained over 10,000 residents during Hein’s tenure. —James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

Propagate a sympodial orchid when the plant outgrows its pot. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026

Over the years, different family members hosted, until Holy Oly eventually outgrew back yards and garages, with the families setting up shop at Kaposia Park for a few years. —Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outgrow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

outgrow

verb

out·​grow (ˈ)au̇t-ˈgrō 

outgrew -ˈgrü  ; outgrown -ˈgrōn  ; outgrowing

1

: to grow faster than

2

: to grow too large or too mature for

outgrew their clothes

outgrow playing with dolls