dropout

1 of 2

noun

drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dropout (audio)
1
a
: one who drops out of school
b
: one who drops out of conventional society
c
: one who abandons an attempt, activity, or chosen path
a corporate dropout
2
: a momentary defect on a magnetic tape or disk caused by a temporary loss of signal

drop out

2 of 2

verb

dropped out; dropping out; drops out

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from participation or membership : quit
especially : to withdraw from conventional society

Examples of dropout in a Sentence

Noun The program is designed for dropouts who wish to get high school equivalency certificates.
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.
Noun
Within a few years, the effort helped reduce the county's dropout rate from 35% to 6%, according to the organization’s website. Devarrick Turner, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 In one archive clip, then up-and-coming comedian Woody Allen asks the high school dropout Twiggy to name her favorite philosopher. Samantha Conti, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
Osasuna forward Bryan Zaragoza and Barca midfielder Marc Casado also dropped out of the Spain squad through injury. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Kylie Minogue Kylie Minogue guest stars in the series as herself, attending the state dinner but then is asked to perform after the original performer dropped out. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dropout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dropout was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Dropout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dropout. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

dropout

1 of 2 noun
drop·​out ˈdräp-ˌau̇t How to pronounce dropout (audio)
: a person who drops out especially from a school or a training program

drop out

2 of 2 verb
: to withdraw from taking part or membership : quit
dropped out of school

More from Merriam-Webster on dropout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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