let-out
adjective
(of fur) processed by cutting parallel diagonal slashes into the pelt and sewing the slashed edges together to lengthen the pelt and to improve the appearance of the fur.
let-out
American
[let-aut, let-aut]
/ ˈlɛtˈaʊt, ˈlɛtˌaʊt /
adjective
noun
let out
British
verb
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to give vent to; emit
to let out a howl
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to allow to go or run free; release
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(may take a clause as object) to reveal (a secret)
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to make available to tenants, hirers, or contractors
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to permit to flow out
to let air out of the tyres
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to make (a garment) larger, as by unpicking (the seams) and sewing nearer the outer edge
noun
let out
Idioms
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Allow to get out ; also see get out of .
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Make known, reveal, as in I thought it was a secret—who let it out? [First half of 1800s] Also see let the cat out of the bag .
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Come to a close, end, as in What time does school let out? [Late 1800s]
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Increase the size of a garment, as in May's coat needs to be let out across the shoulders . This usage refers to opening some of the seams. [Late 1700s]
Etymology
Origin of let-out
First recorded in 1830–40; adj., noun use of verb phrase let out
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
He does have the let-out proviso – “to the best of my ability” – which leaves plenty of room to accommodate his skew-shift views about what he thinks needs preserving, protecting and defending.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 17, 2017
Admittedly Cameron did have a let-out: a letter from a Labour health minister saying there wasn't enough evidence in favour of plain packaging.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 17, 2013
Other calls use the widely-abused "permission to call" let-out clause in the TPS rules.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 16, 2013
His welcome in Buenos Aires was in some contrast to Brazil's let-out friendliness.
From Time Magazine Archive
Another let-out like that, Mae, and, by gad!
From Every Soul Hath Its Song by Fannie Hurst
Colin unlocked the building, let out the few employees who remained inside the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
With the score 4-4, Littler let out a passionate roar towards the crowd after a wonderful 95 checkout, with Noppert left on 46.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
An acclaimed children’s musical about a shark who “wants to let out his inner fish” was out; Sylvester Stallone was in.
From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026
Since 2024, tens of thousands of inmates have been let out early to create more space in England's prisons.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
She gnawed at her lip, then let out another tremulous sigh.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
