Phrase guide

read out

verb · 3 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

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • present: /ˌɹiːd ˈaʊt/
  • homophone: redoubt (one pronunciation)
  • past: /ˌɹɛd ˈaʊt/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To read something and say the words to inform other people; to call.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The teacher read out the names of the students who had passed the exam.
  • He read the names out to the class.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

(of a device) To read some data and inform the person using the device; (of the user) to read some data from the device to inform oneself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The movement detector is reading out the data now.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To interpret a part of a law so that it is not struck down but is rendered of no effect or applicability.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: vorlesen — read something and say the words to others
  • German: verlesen — read something and say the words to others
  • Latin: recitō — read something and say the words to others
  • Sanskrit: पठति (paṭhati) — read something and say the words to others
  • Swedish: läsa upp — read something and say the words to others