1 B1 neutral
To officially record the end of your working shift using a timekeeping device.
"Don't forget to clock out before you leave, or you won't be paid for the full shift."
inseparable
clock out
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To record the time you finish your work shift, typically using a machine or digital system.
In plain English
To use a card or machine to show what time you finished work and left.
What does "clock out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To stop paying attention or mentally disengage (informal).
"After two hours of the lecture, he completely clocked out and started daydreaming."
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal
To die (informal, euphemistic or humorous).
"His grandfather clocked out peacefully in his sleep at the age of ninety-two."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To record ('clock') your exit ('out') on a timekeeping device.
Actually means
To use a card or machine to show what time you finished work and left.
Usage tip
Standard in American English; 'clock off' is the British equivalent. Widely used in workplaces with formal time-tracking. Also used informally to mean simply leaving work, and figuratively to mean dying (dark humour).
Words that pair with "clock out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shift work time early system machine
How to conjugate "clock out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
clock out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clocks out
he/she/it
Past simple
clocked out
yesterday
Past participle
clocked out
have + pp
-ing form
clocking out
continuous
Hear "clock out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "clock out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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