noun
Uncommon
lookout
LUU-kowt
Lookout (noun) means a person whose job is to watch for danger or trouble. Example: “The gang posted a lookout at the end of the street.”
noun
1
A person whose job is to watch for danger or trouble.
"The gang posted a lookout at the end of the street."
"She acted as lookout while her friend snuck back inside after curfew."
2
A place with a clear view used for watching, or the act of watching from it.
"They stopped at a scenic lookout to take photos of the valley."
3
Something to be concerned about or responsible for.
"If he's late again, that's his own lookout."
How to use lookout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person watching for danger, or a high spot with a good view for watching.
Common pairings
keep a lookout
act as lookout
scenic lookout
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Word forms
- Plural
- lookouts
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gang posted a _____ at the end of the street.
Etymology
A compound of look and out, originally describing the act of "looking out" for danger.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for lookout
See all rhymes for lookout →Frequently asked questions
What does “lookout” mean?
The word “lookout” means a person whose job is to watch for danger or trouble. In plain terms, a person watching for danger, or a high spot with a good view for watching.
How do you pronounce “lookout”?
“Lookout” is pronounced LUU-kowt (/ˈlʊkaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lookout” in a sentence?
Here is “lookout” used in a sentence: “The gang posted a lookout at the end of the street.”
What is another word for “lookout”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lookout” include sentry, surveillance, vigil and watch.
What part of speech is “lookout”?
“Lookout” is a noun.
Is “lookout” a common word?
“Lookout” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lookout” have?
“Lookout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person whose job is to watch for danger or trouble.
What is the difference between a lookout and a sentry?
A lookout is generally someone watching for danger or trouble, or a place used for that purpose, and the term is used broadly in both casual and serious contexts. A sentry more specifically refers to a guard, often military, formally posted to watch over a location.
Can lookout refer to a place as well as a person?
Yes, lookout can refer to a person whose job is to watch for danger, to a place with a clear view used for watching, or to the act of watching from such a place.
What does it mean when something is 'your lookout'?
When something is described as 'your lookout,' it means it is your concern or responsibility, drawing on the sense of lookout as something to be concerned about or responsible for.
