out of
preposition
1
a(1)
—used as a function word to indicate direction or movement from within to the outside of
walked out of the room
(2)
—used as a function word to indicate a change in quality, state, or form
woke up out of a deep sleep
came out of retirement
a book that is out of print [=a book that is no longer being printed]
b(1)
—used as a function word to indicate a position or situation beyond the range, limits, or sphere of
out of control
went in to get out of the rain
(2)
—used as a function word to indicate a position or state away from the usual or expected
out of practice
The big table looks out of place here.
settled the matter out of court [=settled by coming to an agreement without a trial or a decision by a judge]
The car came out of nowhere! [=the car was there suddenly and unexpectedly.]
2
—used as a function word to indicate origin, source, or cause
a remarkable colt out of an ordinary mare
got the idea out of a book
built out of old lumber
fled out of fear
3
—used as a function word to indicate exclusion from or deprivation of
cheated him out of his savings
out of breath
4
—used as a function word to indicate a lack of something
Are we out of milk?
I ran out of time.
He was out of breath after running.
5
—used as a function word to indicate choice or selection from a group
one out of four survived
6
—used as a function word to indicate the center of an enterprise or activity
runs her business out of her home
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Out of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/out%20of. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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