stick out

verb

stuck out; sticking out; sticks out

intransitive verb

1

a

: to jut out : project

b

: to be prominent or conspicuous

2

: to be persistent (as in a demand or an opinion)

transitive verb

: endure, last entry 1

—often used with it

stuck it out to the end

Synonyms

• bag
• balloon
• beetle
• belly
• billow
• bulge
• bunch
• jut
• overhang
• poke
• pooch [chiefly dialect]
• pouch
• pout
• project
• protrude
• stand out
• start
• swell

Examples of stick out in a Sentence

no feet sticking out in the aisles, please

managed to stick out the whole race despite her bad knee

Recent Examples on the Web

Keith Urban has had plenty of fan interaction on the road over the years, but one particular incident really sticks out in his mind. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Among the grim statistics in a recent housing report released by the state, one stuck out: Oregon ranks first in the nation for homelessness among families with children. —Kale Williams, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024

In other words, the bird had lived a full life, which is rare for light-colored prey animals that stick out in their natural habitats and are more easily targeted by predators and more likely targets for poachers. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Dec. 2024

The Hereford bull was lying on its side, with its front legs sticking out at an uncanny angle. —Christina Coulter, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

stick out

verb

1

a

: to extend out : project

b

: to be noticeable

you will certainly stick out with that red hat and coat

2

: to put up with : endure

stuck it out to the bitter end