lookout

¹

[look-out]

noun

1. the act of looking out or keeping watch.

2. a watch kept, as for something that may happen.

3. a person or group keeping a watch.

   Synonyms: guard, patrol, sentry, sentinel

4. a station or place from which a watch is kept.

5. an object of care or concern.

   That's not my lookout.

6. tailpiece.

7. Chiefly British.,  view; prospect; outlook.

   The business lookout is far from optimistic.

Lookout

²

[look-out]

noun

1. Cape Lookout, a sandy reef in the Outer Banks, off eastern North Carolina, southwest of Cape Hatteras: known for its lighthouse.

lookout

/ ˈlʊkˌaʊt /

noun

1. the act of keeping watch against danger, etc

2. a person or persons instructed or employed to keep such a watch, esp on a ship

3. a strategic point from which a watch is kept

4. informal,  worry or concern

   that's his lookout

5. outlook, chances, or view

verb

1. to heed one's behaviour; be careful

   look out for the children's health

2. to be on the watch

   look out for my mother at the station

3. (tr) to search for and find

   I'll look out some curtains for your new house

4. to face in a particular direction

   the house looks out over the moor

Word History and Origins

Origin of lookout¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; noun use of verb phrase look out

Idioms and Phrases

see keep an eye out for (sharp lookout); on the lookout. Also see entries beginning with look out.

Example Sentences

“I was dreaming I was in the crow’s nest...my turn as lookout,” he mumbled.

Read more on Literature

The reluctant girl had been persuaded to serve as lookout.

Read more on Literature

Investors will on the lookout for any commentary from Furner and Fiddelke that could give them more clues on their visions for the two retailers.

Read more on Barron's

Wall Street analysts will be on the lookout for five clues in particular for investors that a comeback may be in the works.

Read more on MarketWatch

The Deltas also commandeered at least 200 ranches in the region, driving out families and transforming their homes into outposts and lookouts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sentry