stick out

verb

stuck out; sticking out; sticks out

intransitive verb

1

a

: to jut out : project

ears that stick out

b

: to be prominent or conspicuous

stuck out in an orange vest

2

British, informal : to be persistent (as in a demand or an opinion)

transitive verb

1

: extend (as a body part) outward

stick out your tongue

2

: endure, last entry 1

—often used with it

stuck it out to the end

Synonyms of stick out

• protrude
• poke
• stand out
• bulge

Examples of stick out in a Sentence

no feet sticking out in the aisles, please

managed to stick out the whole race despite her bad knee

Recent Examples on the Web

These have a central molecular backbone with side chains sticking out along its length, much like the bristles on a bottle-cleaning brush, but on a molecular scale. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

In a snap shared by Kimmel and Stewart, the four hosts posed with their heads close together, sticking out their chins to draw attention to their coordinating scruff. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

Smith stuck out three and allowed two hits in two-plus innings in his first major-league start. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

The view from below showed the vehicle on its side with airbags deployed, and two feet sticking out from what appears to be the passenger side window. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Rhymes for stick out

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

Kids Definition

stick out

verb

1

a

: to extend out : project

b

: to be noticeable

you will certainly stick out with that red hat and coat

2

: to put up with : endure

stuck it out to the bitter end