Phrase guide

age out

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To become too old for an activity, program or institution; to become too mature for a behavior.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • When foster kids age out, it is important that the state provides them with support.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To die or retire.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: euphemistic

Topics: government, politics

Examples

  • The party's chances in the coming election looked grim as a large portion of their voters were going to age out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The phrasal verb preposition out is analogous to run out. Usage was likely spread by the Boy Scouts of America, where it is largely used in the first sense to mean turning eighteen and becoming ineligible for the youth program.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: kiöregedik — to become too old for an activity, program or institution