1 B2 neutral
To sell all remaining stock at reduced prices in order to end a product line or clear inventory.
"The retailer is closing out last year's models to make room for the new stock."
separable
close out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To bring something to a final conclusion, especially a sale, account, or deal; also to sell remaining stock at reduced prices.
In plain English
To finish something completely, especially by selling everything or closing an account for the last time.
What does "close out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To bring a financial account, investment position, or business arrangement to a final end.
"She decided to close out her savings account and move the money to a better bank."
separable
3 C1 idiomatic neutral
To prevent someone from participating or gaining access to something.
"The deal was structured in a way that closed out smaller investors entirely."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To close ('close') something entirely ('out'), leaving nothing remaining.
Actually means
To finish something completely, especially by selling everything or closing an account for the last time.
Usage tip
Common in American English business and retail contexts. 'Closeout' (noun) refers to a sale of remaining stock. Also used in finance to describe closing a trading position. Can be used more broadly to mean concluding any activity.
Words that pair with "close out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
account sale position stock deal season
How to conjugate "close out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
close out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
closes out
he/she/it
Past simple
closed out
yesterday
Past participle
closed out
have + pp
-ing form
closing out
continuous
Hear "close out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "close out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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