1 B2 idiomatic informal
To decorate a place elaborately, especially for a special occasion.
"The hall was decked out with fairy lights and garlands for the New Year's party."
separable
deck out
B2 informal separable transitive
To decorate a place or dress a person in an elaborate or impressive way.
In plain English
To make a place or person look really special by adding lots of decorations or fancy clothes.
What does "deck out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To dress someone in elaborate, impressive, or festive clothing.
"She was decked out in a stunning red gown and matching heels."
“
Deck the halls with boughs of holly.
— Traditional Christmas carol, 'Deck the Halls' (Welsh origin, published 1881)
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put a deck (surface/floor) out — extended to mean covering something with a layer of decoration.
Actually means
To make a place or person look really special by adding lots of decorations or fancy clothes.
Usage tip
Often used in the passive ('decked out in'). Commonly used to describe rooms decorated for events or people wearing impressive outfits. Predominantly informal; more common in American English.
Words that pair with "deck out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
flags lights bunting Christmas decorations jewels finery
How to conjugate "deck out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
deck out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
decks out
he/she/it
Past simple
decked out
yesterday
Past participle
decked out
have + pp
-ing form
decking out
continuous
Hear "deck out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "deck out"
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Keep exploring
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