1 B2 idiomatic informal
To produce something quickly and with little refinement, such as a piece of writing or work.
"She banged out a 1,000-word article in under an hour."
separable
bang out
B2 informal separable transitive
To produce something quickly, often without much care; to play something loudly on an instrument.
In plain English
To make or write something fast and without worrying too much about quality; to play music very loudly.
What does "bang out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To play music loudly and energetically, especially on a piano or percussion instrument.
"The pianist banged out a lively jazz number at the end of the set."
separable
3 C1 idiomatic slang
(Prison/institutional slang) To signal the end of lockdown by banging on cell doors.
"The guards banged out at six every morning."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike something outward — the idiomatic leap is to producing something with force and speed.
Actually means
To make or write something fast and without worrying too much about quality; to play music very loudly.
Usage tip
Common in informal American and British English. Often implies the output is rough or produced under pressure. Also used for playing piano or drums loudly.
Words that pair with "bang out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
email report essay tune song message
How to conjugate "bang out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bang out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bangs out
he/she/it
Past simple
banged out
yesterday
Past participle
banged out
have + pp
-ing form
banging out
continuous
Hear "bang out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bang out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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