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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many attempt to tune out one layer of noise by adding another. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 But Microsoft investors appear to be tuning out that noise. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 June 2025 At times, of course, this can all be overwhelming — tedious to the point of exhaustion, and a perfect recipe for viewers tuning out. Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 Exploring the Outdoors, One Step at a Time Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and tune out the chaos of city life. Ruffin Prevost, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tune out

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tune out was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Tune out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tune%20out. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tune out

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