WordDream · Your AI dictionary

Check out

English → EnglishcasualInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "Check out": "Check out" is a versatile phrasal verb used primarily to mean taking a look at something or investi

What does "Check out" mean?

"Check out" is a versatile phrasal verb used primarily to mean taking a look at something or investigating it. The mental image is of someone pausing their current activity to focus their attention on a new object, person, or piece of information to determine if it is interesting, useful, or true. In casual conversation, it is often used as an imperative to draw someone's attention to something ("Check out that sunset!"). It is also commonly used to describe the process of paying for items at a store or leaving a hotel. Because of its informal tone, it is best avoided in highly formal academic or legal writing.

"Check out" in conversation

Showing a new gadget

Check out my new watch!

Check out my new watch!

Whoa, that looks sleek. Where did you get it?

Whoa, that looks sleek. Where did you get it?

Used here as an imperative to invite attention.

Planning a trip

We should check out that new cafe downtown.

We should check out that new cafe downtown.

Good idea, I heard their coffee is amazing.

Good idea, I heard their coffee is amazing.

Used here to suggest investigating or visiting a location.

"Check out" in a sentence

  1. Check out this photo.

    Check out this photo.

  2. I need to check out the details of the contract before signing.

    I need to check out the details of the contract before signing.

  3. We checked out of the hotel early to avoid the morning traffic.

    We checked out of the hotel early to avoid the morning traffic.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “Check out” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.