General
over
What does over mean?
A procedure word signalling "this is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary." It hands the channel to the other station and invites them to transmit.
""What is your status? Over.""
Origin
Standard radiotelephony procedure word dating to early 20th-century military and maritime radio.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Over' mean on the radio?
It signals that your transmission is finished and you expect the other station to reply — it hands the channel over to them.
Can you say 'over and out'?
No — that's a Hollywood invention. 'Over' invites a reply while 'Out' ends the conversation with no reply expected, so combining them contradicts itself.
When do you use 'Over' versus 'Out'?
Use 'Over' when you want a response and are handing the channel to the other station; use 'Out' when the exchange is finished and no reply is needed.
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