out of

preposition

1

a(1)

—used as a function word to indicate direction or movement from within to the outside of

walked out of the room

(2)

—used as a function word to indicate a change in quality, state, or form

woke up out of a deep sleep

b(1)

—used as a function word to indicate a position or situation beyond the range, limits, or sphere of

out of control

(2)

—used as a function word to indicate a position or state away from the usual or expected

out of practice

2

—used as a function word to indicate origin, source, or cause

a remarkable colt out of an ordinary mare

built out of old lumber

fled out of fear

3

—used as a function word to indicate exclusion from or deprivation of

cheated him out of his savings

out of breath

4

—used as a function word to indicate choice or selection from a group

one out of four survived

5

—used as a function word to indicate the center of an enterprise or activity

runs her business out of her home

Phrases

out of it

1

: not part of a group, activity, or fashion

2

: in a dazed or confused state

Examples of out of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Elko went 16-9 in two seasons at Duke, becoming only the second Blue Devils coach out of the past 11 to have a winning record. —David Whitley, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024

Research out of the Women’s Sport Foundation has found that 65% of coaches believed men had an easier time gaining top-level coaching jobs, while 75% reported men had advantages in negotiating salary increases. —Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Now, a new study out of the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) has found that a particular flavonoid, kaempferol, can dampen the body’s allergic response – including food allergies – via its effect on the immune system. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024

Additionally, with Hasina, who ruled for 15 consecutive years, now out of the political picture, Bangladesh's politics have been left in a highly unsettled state. —Michael Kugelman, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

out of

preposition

1

a

: from within to the outside of

walked out of the room

b

—used to indicate a change in quality, state, or form

woke out of a deep sleep

c

: beyond the range or limits of

moved out of sight

2

: because of, from

fled out of fear

3

—used to indicate source, material, or cause

built out of old lumber

4

—used to indicate the state or condition of being without something especially that was there before

the store is out of bread

cheated us out of our savings

5

: from among

one out of four survived

6

—used to indicate the center of a business or activity

runs her business out of her home