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
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.
Reine Fleur, via Facebook My single socks returned—inside out. Wired Readers, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024 Washing clothes inside out also helps to eliminate body soil build up, leaving fabrics cleaner and smelling fresher. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 Turning it inside out reveals a windproof, water-resistant cotton-blend fabric with zippered hand pockets. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024 Turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh delicates laundry bag. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inside out 

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 21 Dec. 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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