inside out

adverb

1
: in such a manner that the inner surface becomes the outer
turned the shirt inside out
2
: to a thorough degree
knows the subject inside out
3
: in or into a state of disarray often involving drastic reorganization
turned the business inside out

Examples of inside out in a Sentence

after 20 years of employment there, he has come to know the company inside out
Recent Examples on the Web Turn the pillowcase inside out over a trash can and shake loose particles directly into bin. Wash pillowcase with regular laundry load. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 Even the slightest modulations to her cryptic deadpan can turn her lyrics inside out. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Danielle Brooks knows The Color Purple’s Sofia inside out. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Fitted Sheet Step 1: With the sheet inside out, hold it by the two corners of one of the longer edges, Cohen says. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Know Your Neighborhood Tony and Jennifer both stress the importance of understanding your neighborhood inside out. Tyler Giroud, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024 Then use your right hand to tuck that corner inside out over the one in your left hand. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024 After receiving the mail, Blenkinsop removed the letter and turned the envelope inside out. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Jan. 2024 In one of the greatest musical transformations in modern times, Aretha Franklin turned Otis Redding’s brassy 1965 song upside down and inside out. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inside out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inside out was circa 1600

Dictionary Entries Near inside out

Cite this Entry

“Inside out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inside%20out. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inside out

adverb
1
: in such a way that the inner surface becomes the outer
2
: to a thorough degree
knows the family history inside out

More from Merriam-Webster on inside out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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