tune out

verb

tuned out; tuning out; tunes out

transitive verb

: to become unresponsive to : ignore

intransitive verb

: to dissociate oneself from what is happening or one's surroundings

Examples of tune out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Capricorn Moon squares the Sun in your sign, making private responsibilities or family dynamics harder to tune out. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Over-ear headphones might be a fashion statement, but earbuds are the more subtle choice for tuning out the world around you. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Fox largely tuned out Trump in 2021 and 2022, but the network’s audience stayed loyal. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

People living near the frontlines have faced constant bombardments and the imminent threat of occupation, whereas those in the rear can, at times, tune out the conflict. — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for tune out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

tune out

verb

: to stop paying attention to what is happening or to one's surroundings

thinking about the work and tuning everything else out