give out

verb

gave out; given out; giving out; gives out

transitive verb

1
a
: declare, publish
giving out that the doctor … required a few days of complete restCharles Dickens
b
: to read aloud the words of (a hymn or psalm) for congregational singing
2
: emit
gave out a constant hum
3
: issue
gave out new uniforms

intransitive verb

1
2
: to become exhausted : collapse

Examples of give out in a Sentence

that's information that I'm not prepared to give out this heater gives out a funny smell sometimes
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.
Shake Shack is celebrating National Hamburger Month by giving out free food. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 May 2025 Over a million medals have been given out in over 120 countries. Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 4 May 2025 The fans have been quite respectful about not giving out spoilers. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025 But that does not seem to be the case even as less total content will be given out at that price. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for give out

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of give out was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20out. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

give out

verb
1
2
: to become exhausted : collapse
3
4
: to pass out : issue
give out the new books

More from Merriam-Webster on give out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!