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• sign-out
  sign-out

  noun

  an act, instance, or time of signing out.
• sign out
  sign out

  verb

  (adverb) to sign (one's name) to indicate that one is leaving a place

sign-out

American  

[sahyn-aut] / ˈsaɪnˌaʊt /

noun

1. an act, instance, or time of signing out.

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sign out British  

verb

1. (adverb) to sign (one's name) to indicate that one is leaving a place

   he signed out for the evening

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sign out Idioms  

1. Record the departure of a person or the removal of an object, as in He turned in his room key and signed out about an hour ago, or I asked the librarian how many books I could sign out. [c. 1930]

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Etymology

Origin of sign-out

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase sign out

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sign-out sign out

Had he had taken her out of the jail, he said, their exit would have been recorded on surveillance video and sign-out sheets.

From New York Times ● Jul. 19, 2023

After sign-out, I drive home in a daze, still distracted by the day’s events.

From Scientific American ● May 28, 2020

In a letter to parents of Tubman students, Principal Amanda Delabar said, “This incident led us to reinforce our sign-out procedures and remind all staff of our school security protocols.”

From Washington Post ● Feb. 11, 2020

I started the sign-out process, and as I was doing so, the daycare assistant walked by and saw me.

From Slate ● Feb. 19, 2019

“Well,” Mr. Townsend said, clearing his throat and reaching for the sign-out clipboard.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

His bait shop outside Abbeville, called Perry Outfitters, sports a big “Welcome Space X” sign out front.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

The sign out front was complete, bearing the development’s name: Citrus Place.

From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026

Though a vintage neon sign out front advertises steaks, barbecue and lamb chops, the fare is Chinese.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2025

Most Americans have filled a basket at an Albertsons or a Kroger store even if the sign out front had a different name.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 27, 2024

A block down the street they came up to a building that looked like an old house but had a sign out front.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds