readout

1 of 2

noun

read·​out ˈrēd-ˌau̇t 

variants or less commonly read-out

plural readouts also read-outs

1

a

: the process of retrieving information from an automatic device (such as a computer or sensor) and displaying it in an understandable form

b

: the information retrieved from such a device and displayed or recorded (as by printing device or electronic screen)

… systems are capable of giving a constant readout of speed and distance traveled to a high degree of accuracy.

—Dutton's Navigation & Piloting

c

: an electronic device that presents information in visual form

The second-best thing is the monitor: It produced extremely crisp, sharp images, and an LED readout on the front provides pertinent information such as the current resolution and refresh rate.

—Preston Gralla

2

: a document that summarizes the content of a meeting, telephone call, etc. involving government officials

Many foreign leaders also issue their own readouts, providing their version of the calls, which can sometimes differ in tone and emphasis from the White House summary.

—Vivian Salama

3

: the radio transmission of data or pictures from a space vehicle

read out

2 of 2

verb

read out; reading out; reads out

transitive verb

1

a

: to read aloud

b

: to produce a readout of

2

: to expel from an organization or group

Examples of readout in a Sentence

Noun

The calculator has a digital readout.

He checked the readout on the screen.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Talking points should be hashed out months in advance, and minor phrasing on official readouts involves tough negotiation. —Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Another readout is expected in the second quarter. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

Verb

Assistant City Manager Dev Rastogi read out the first one directed to council member Bill Roth, who oversees the North Dallas district. —Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026

The Dropkick Murphys performed near the end of the rally, with frontman Ken Casey reading out his favorite signs. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for readout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

readout

noun

read·​out ˈrēd-ˌau̇t 

: an electronic device that displays information (as data from a calculator)

also : the information displayed