verb
make out
mayk OWT
Make out (verb) means to kiss and embrace someone for a sustained period, in a romantic or passionate way. Example: “They were making out in the back row of the cinema.”
verb
1
informal To kiss and embrace someone for a sustained period, in a romantic or passionate way.
"They were making out in the back row of the cinema."
"She caught them making out by the bike sheds."
2
To manage to see, hear or read something that is faint or unclear.
"I could just make out a figure through the fog."
"The signature is too smudged to make out."
3
To claim or suggest that something is the case, usually unfairly or falsely.
"He makes out that he did all the work himself."
"It isn't nearly as complicated as they make out."
4
To write out a cheque, form or document, especially by filling in a name.
"Please make the cheque out to the school office."
How to use make out
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo kiss someone for a while — or, in other uses, to just about see something, or to claim something that isn't true.
When to use it
Informal in the kissing sense; the "discern" and "claim" senses are neutral and fine in ordinary writing.
Memory tip
It is separable when it takes an object you can move: "make out the words" or "make the words out".
Easily confused with
make up
make off
work out
Common pairings
make out a shape
make out the words
make out a cheque
make out that
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for make out
See all rhymes for make out →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between make out and make up?
They are unrelated phrasal verbs. "Make out" can mean to kiss, to discern something faintly, or to claim something falsely. "Make up" means to invent a story, to become friends again after an argument, or to constitute a whole.
Is "make out" American or British?
The kissing sense is American in origin and is now widely understood everywhere, though British speakers often say "snog". The senses meaning "discern" and "claim falsely" are common to both varieties.
How do you use "make out" to mean cope?
With "how", it asks about progress: "How did you make out at the interview?" This use is chiefly American and means roughly "how did you get on".
What is the meaning of make out?
"make out" (verb) means to kiss and embrace someone for a sustained period, in a romantic or passionate way.
