noun
rout
rowt
Rout (noun) means a crushing, disorganized defeat. Example: “The match turned into a total rout, 6-0.”
noun
1
A crushing, disorganized defeat.
"The match turned into a total rout, 6-0."
"Historians describe the retreat as a complete rout."
verb
1
To defeat an opponent so thoroughly that they scatter or retreat in disorder.
"The home team routed their rivals in the second half."
2
To dig out or carve a groove into a surface, or to search through something thoroughly.
"He routed out an old photo album from the back of the closet."
How to use rout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA decisive, humiliating defeat, or (as a verb) to defeat someone that badly.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "route" (a path or course) — they're pronounced differently and mean very different things despite the shared spelling pattern.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
total rout
rout the enemy
a rout of the opposition
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Word forms
- Plural
- routs
- Third person singular
- routs
- Past tense
- routed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The match turned into a total _____, 6-0.
Etymology
From Old French route ("group of people; a breaking apart"), from Latin rupta, the feminine form of ruptus ("broken"). A doublet of "route."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rout
See all rhymes for rout →Frequently asked questions
What does “rout” mean?
The word “rout” means a crushing, disorganized defeat. In plain terms, a decisive, humiliating defeat, or (as a verb) to defeat someone that badly.
How do you pronounce “rout”?
“Rout” is pronounced rowt (/ɹaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “rout” in a sentence?
Here is “rout” used in a sentence: “The match turned into a total rout, 6-0.”
What part of speech is “rout”?
Depending on how it is used, “rout” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rout” come from?
The word “rout” comes from Latin. From Old French route ("group of people; a breaking apart"), from Latin rupta, the feminine form of ruptus ("broken"). A doublet of "route.".
How many meanings does “rout” have?
“Rout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a crushing, disorganized defeat.
