Phrase guide

tune 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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1

verb

Meaning 1

To stop paying attention to; to ignore; to zone out.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive, transitive

Examples

  • I have a hard time tuning out a television that is on.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To change the channel or frequency away from.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I was tired of talk radio so I tuned out of that station and tuned into one playing all music.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From tune + out.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: błądzić myślami — to zone out
  • Polish: zawieszać się — to zone out
  • Polish: zawiesić się — to zone out
  • Polish: wyłączać się — to zone out
  • Polish: wyłączyć się — to zone out
  • Polish: zagapiać się — to zone out
  • Polish: zagapić się — to zone out
  • Chinese Mandarin: 换台 (huàntái) — to change the channel
  • Chinese Mandarin: 调台 — to change the channel
  • Chinese Mandarin: 换频道 — to change the channel
  • Finnish: vaihtaa kanavaa — to change the channel
  • Polish: zmieniać kanał — to change the channel
  • Polish: zmienić kanał — to change the channel
  • Portuguese: trocar estação — to change the channel