noun
lout
lowt
Lout (noun) means a rude, clumsy, or aggressive person, especially a man. Example: “A gang of louts were causing trouble outside the pub.”
noun
1
A rude, clumsy, or aggressive person, especially a man.
"A gang of louts were causing trouble outside the pub."
verb
1
Archaic: to bow or stoop.
"The servant louted low before the king."
How to use lout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rough, badly behaved person, often used for troublemaking young men.
Common pairings
drunken lout
a gang of louts
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Word forms
- Plural
- louts
- Third person singular
- louts
- Past tense
- louted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A gang of _____ were causing trouble outside the pub.
Etymology
Likely from Old English lutan, "to bow or stoop," which shifted over time to describe a clumsy, uncouth person.
Related words
Rhymes for lout
See all rhymes for lout →Frequently asked questions
What does “lout” mean?
The word “lout” means a rude, clumsy, or aggressive person, especially a man. In plain terms, a rough, badly behaved person, often used for troublemaking young men.
How do you pronounce “lout”?
“Lout” is pronounced lowt (/laʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lout” in a sentence?
Here is “lout” used in a sentence: “A gang of louts were causing trouble outside the pub.”
What part of speech is “lout”?
Depending on how it is used, “lout” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lout” come from?
The word “lout” comes from Old English. Likely from Old English lutan, "to bow or stoop," which shifted over time to describe a clumsy, uncouth person.
How many meanings does “lout” have?
“Lout” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rude, clumsy, or aggressive person, especially a man.
