lookout

1 of 2

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lookout (audio)
1
: one engaged in keeping watch : watchman
2
: an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation
3
: a careful looking or watching
on the lookout
4
5
: a matter of care or concern

look out

2 of 2

verb

looked out; looking out; looks out

intransitive verb

: to take care or concern oneself
used with for
looking out for number one

Examples of lookout in a Sentence

Noun The troops posted a lookout for the night. The mountain road had several lookouts where you could enjoy the view.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Some hikers may categorize these paths more as walks than hikes, depending on skill level, but most will agree that the lookout points showcase some of the region’s most beautiful corners. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2024 The 15-year-old, whom CNN is not naming because of his age, served as a lookout during the March 6 shooting and sent photos and descriptions of certain people to others in a nearby car, Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said. Nic F. Anderson, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 Built over years with mussel, clam and oyster shells, human remains, and artifacts, the mound also served as a lookout. Olga R. Rodriguez, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 Just outside the city lie several must-do lookout points like Cleary Summit, which even has its own cozy Aurora Borealis Lodge. Paul Rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2024 View real artifacts from the shipwreck Isaac Allerton, which sunk in 1856, then climb up the 65-foot lookout tower for a spectacular view of the southernmost key. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, in the West, Native Americans risked fines and imprisonment for managing lands with fire, and wildfire lookout towers were erected on sacred mountain peaks. M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024 Anyone who plans to hike that area is urged to be on the lookout, the sheriff's office added. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2024 Learn about Indiana’s lookout towers, the history of their use and which ones still have public access. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024
Verb
In another slide, one of the pair's daughters is seen looking out at the serene pink and blue sky while the full moon shines bright over the ocean. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024 Could be nothing more than the A’s looking out for their interests, rather than entrusting that to a third party. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024 Additionally, green tea, resveratrol, Quercetin, curcumin and licorice extract are ones to look out for. Essence, 16 Apr. 2024 The older boys, Earl and Jermaine, tried to look out for him, and in Brooklyn’s 75th Precinct in the late 1980s, that took some doing. Joe Sexton, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024 Protect the superstars: Make sure that all HR leaders are looking out for employees who may be overloaded with responsibilities to make that transformation happen. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024 At one end of the great room, there’s a steel library wall beneath a massive skylight, and a trio of arched windows look out over the neighborhood. Mark David, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024 This year, look out for Spanish racer Marc Marquez, who is on the hunt for his eighth victory at the upcoming event. Rudie Obias, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024 Serving spoon in her hand, Arora looked out over the room. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lookout.' 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

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lookout was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near lookout

Cite this Entry

“Lookout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lookout. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

lookout

noun
look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lookout (audio)
1
: a person who keeps watch
2
: a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible
3
: a careful looking or watching
4
5
: a matter of care or concern
the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout

More from Merriam-Webster on lookout

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