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

Additionally, several drug readouts later in 2026 could be catalyst events. —Paulina Likos,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

As a result, researchers are focusing on indirect readout strategies that can infer the electron’s spin state without disturbing the fragile quantum system. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 Jan. 2026

Verb

Lilly will read out data on seven other Phase 3 trials on the drug this year. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

Flanked by his lawyers, Gonzales appeared to be fighting back tears after the verdict was read out in court. —Valerie Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 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