make out

verb

made out; making out; makes out

transitive verb

1

: to complete (something, such as a printed form) by supplying required information

make out a check

2

: to find or grasp the meaning of

tried to make out what had really happened

3

: to form an opinion or idea about : conclude

how do you make that out

4

a

: to represent as being

made them out to be losers

b

: to pretend to be true

made out that he had never heard of me

5

: to represent or delineate in detail

6

: to see and identify with difficulty or effort : discern

make out a ship through the fog

intransitive verb

1

: get along, fare

how are you making out with the new job

2

a

: to engage in sexual intercourse

b

: neck sense 1

Synonyms

• cope
• do
• fare
• get along
• get by
• get on
• manage
• shift

Examples of make out in a Sentence

we're not rich, but we're making out all right

I can't quite make out what she is trying to say.

Recent Examples on the Web

The needles are made out of cashmere and PVC for that dense and lush evergreen look. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Are Bini and Ari from 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort still together? Status: Likely not together The two are likely not together after Bini was seen in a Las Vegas club recently making out with a woman that wasn’t Ari. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 Dec. 2024

The sophisticated packer will love this stylish four-piece set from Paravel—the eco-friendly nylon material is made out of upcycled plastic water bottles. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024

The brush head is made out of odor-resistant, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and waterproof silicone, with bristles gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. —Quincy Bulin, Parents, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

make out

verb

1

: to draw up in writing

make out a shopping list

2

: understand sense 1a

how do you make that out

3

: to represent as being

made her out a hero

4

: to see and identify with difficulty

make out a form in the fog

5

: succeed sense 2

make out well in business

6

: to engage in kissing and petting