lookout

1 of 2

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

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

: view, outlook

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

Synonyms

Noun

• observatory
• outlook
• overlook

Verb

• beware (of)
• guard (against)
• mind
• ware
• watch out (for)

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.

Verb

if you go in those woods, look out for snakes!

as a fiduciary, she has an obligation to look out for our interests

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The officer then issued a BOLO, a be on the lookout alert, for the vehicles. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025

From scenic lookouts, marvel at geological features such as arched natural bridges and fossils from the Triassic period. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

Flora looked out over the guardrails but could not see the coast. —Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025

Both players looked out of their depth, but Andreeva is more familiar with this territory. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lookout

• be on the lookout for
• keep a lookout for
• on the lookout for
• someone's lookout

Kids Definition

lookout

noun

look·​out ˈlu̇k-ˌau̇t 

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

: outlook sense 1b

5

: a matter of care or concern

the plants are wilting, but that's not my lookout