clear out

verb

cleared out; clearing out; clears out

transitive verb

: to drive out or away usually forcibly

Examples of clear out in a Sentence

police used tear gas to clear out the demonstrators everyone cleared out as soon as the fire alarm began sounding
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Share Court clears out until the afternoon Adam Reiss Katherine Koretski Adam Reiss and Katherine Koretski The courtroom is clearing out as the judge awaits submissions from both prosecutors and defense on whether to release Combs on bail until his sentencing. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2025 As the tornadoes clear out, officials are concerned with flooding. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Conversation among the group continues for a short time, but the room clears out shortly after, leaving Stines and Mullins alone in the chambers. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 The Writings on the Wall As contestants get eliminated with each round, more beds in the players' sleeping quarters are also cleared out, revealing some writings on the walls behind the beds. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear out

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of clear out was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clear out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear%20out. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

clear out

verb
1
: to go or run away often suddenly or secretly
a horse broke loose and cleared out
cleared out without paying me back
2
: to drive out or away usually with force
police cleared out the demonstrators
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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