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

An officer with the Portland Police Bureau told PEOPLE in a statement that the case is still under investigation, and refuse organizations are on the lookout in case the leg was thrown in the trash. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024

Elsewhere, a cozy fireside en suite bedroom sits just beyond the living room, while the lookout tower bedroom has been turned into a home office. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2024

Verb

Lisandro Martinez has looked out of sorts at points this season and sloppily botched a clearance to gift Dejan Kulusevski the second, before showing Dominic Solanke inside too easily for the third. —Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

But here are five important trends for leaders to look out for in 2025: 1. —Sally Percy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

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