lookout

¹ American  

[look-out] / ˈlʊkˌaʊt /

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.

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Lookout ² American  

[look-out] / ˈlʊkˌaʊt /

noun

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

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lookout British  

/ 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

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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

lookout Idioms  

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

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Etymology

Origin of lookout

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

Example Sentences

He said he had provided "written answers to all" the police questions and asked for the lookout circular to be withdrawn so he could return to the UK on 19 January.

From BBC

At the time Hemsley was board chairman and privately investing in small healthcare entities, UnitedHealth was on the lookout for healthcare investments.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Because some want magic for dark deeds. But don’t worry, everyone. Orion will be our lookout!”

From Literature

The selloff has investors on edge, and on the lookout for signs it will force big firms to unload their holdings—triggering further declines in digital-coin prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ratwin snorted and returned to her lookout post, halfway up the mast.

From Literature

Related Words

• sentry