1 B1 neutral
To remove a word, scene, passage, or other element from a piece of content during editing.
"The producers edited out the contestant's offensive remark before the show was broadcast."
separable
edit out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To remove something from a piece of writing, film, broadcast, or other content during editing.
In plain English
To delete or cut something from a video, article, or recording so it doesn't appear in the final version.
What does "edit out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Figurative) To deliberately exclude or ignore something as if removing it from the picture.
"He had a habit of editing out any criticism from his mind and only remembering the praise."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To edit something out — to remove it through the editing process. Largely transparent.
Actually means
To delete or cut something from a video, article, or recording so it doesn't appear in the final version.
Usage tip
Very common in journalism, film, television, podcasting, and publishing. Also used figuratively to mean deliberately ignoring or excluding something from consideration. Standard in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "edit out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
scene word comment swear word interview mistake
How to conjugate "edit out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
edit out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
edits out
he/she/it
Past simple
edited out
yesterday
Past participle
edited out
have + pp
-ing form
editing out
continuous
Hear "edit out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "edit out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.