What does "lookout" mean?
A vantage point with a view of the surrounding area.
Lookout
/ˈlʊkaʊt/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A vantage point with a view of the surrounding area.
- Grammar: lookout is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: sentry, sentinel, watch, activities.
- Useful contrasts: blind spot, carelessness, inattentiveness.
- Usage evidence: I'm on the lookout for a good introductory book about the Internet.
How to use "lookout"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "lookout" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "lookout" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "lookout" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "lookout" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "lookout" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "sentry" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "lookout", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A vantage point with a view of the surrounding area.
"Gulangyu island has a spectacular crows-nest lookout reached by winding stone staircases. From so high, the Nationalist islands look like lumps of cookie batter dropped onto the smooth harbor, with picturesque sailing junks not far away."
- 2 the act of looking out wordnet
- 3 A session of watching for an approaching enemy, police, etc.
"We kept a lookout all night, but nobody came."
- 4 a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings wordnet
- 5 A person on watch for approaching enemy, police, danger, etc.
"The raid failed when the lookout noticed the enemy group."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 an elevated post affording a wide view wordnet
- 7 A subject for observation; a prospect or view.
"Looking, seeing: search or searching; Looking-for (B.), expectation; Lookout, a careful watching for: an elevated place from which to observe: one engaged in watching. And, you know, she OUGHT to keep enough to pay for her season-ticket; but no, she comes to me about that, and I have to find the money." "It's a poor lookout," said Mrs. Morel bitterly."
- 8 a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event wordnet
- 9 One's perspective, outlook; hence, one's responsibility. (used with a possessive pronoun or a noun in a possessive form).
"Every person's interest is his own lookout."
- 10 An observation window.
"Twenty-one of these vehicles were later converted into bogie brake vans for freight service. [...] The extreme width over the side lookouts is 9 ft."
- 11 A joist that extends in cantilever out from the exterior wall (or wall plate) of a building, supporting the roof sheathing and providing a nailing surface for the fascia boards.
Proper Noun
- 1 A census-designated place in Modoc County, California, United States.
Antonyms
Example
"I'm on the lookout for a good introductory book about the Internet."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "lookout"?
Common synonyms include: sentry, sentinel, watch, activities, activity, admonisher.
How do you use "lookout" in a sentence?
I'm on the lookout for a good introductory book about the Internet.
How do you pronounce "lookout"?
Pronounced /ˈlʊkaʊt/.
Etymology
Deverbal from look out.