go out

verb

went out; gone out; going out; goes out

intransitive verb

1

a

: to go forth, abroad, or outdoors

specifically : to leave one's house

b(1)

: to take the field as a soldier

(2)

: to participate as a principal in a duel

c

: to travel as or as if a colonist or immigrant

d

: to work away from home

2

a

: to come to an end

b

: to give up office : resign

c

: to become obsolete or unfashionable

d(1)

: to play the last card of one's hand

(2)

: to reach or exceed the total number of points required for game in cards

e

: to bring a performance to a close

The band went out with a solid rendition of another Allmans classic …

—Joel Silverstein

3

a

: to take part in social activities

made plans to go out for drinks

b

: to date someone romantically

They've been going out for about six months.

4

: to go on strike

5

: break, collapse

6

: to become a candidate

went out for the football team

Phrases

go out with a bang

: to die, end, or finish in a thrilling, forceful, or impressive way

Game of Thrones is known for its impressive production value, so it is understandable why HBO would want to go out with a bang, making the final episodes the biggest television has ever seen.

—Emily Murray

Synonyms

• buckle
• cave (in)
• collapse
• crumple
• founder
• give
• go
• implode
• tumble
• yield

Examples of go out in a Sentence

there was concern that the dam would go out under the force of the flood waters

she enjoys going out on weekends, but during the week she's a homebody

Recent Examples on the Web

Our condolences go out to his family and friends during this time. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Any denials went out the window starting Thursday night. —Zach Harper, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

All his focus all week was just going out the right way and getting a 10th win. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025

An honorable mention also goes out to Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson, who wore an Old Hollywood pixie. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

go out

verb

1

: to leave one's home

2

: to stop working

3

: to stop burning or glowing

4

: to become a candidate

went out for the football team

5

: to become obsolete or unfashionable

6

: to engage in social activities