1 A2 neutral
To remove all the contents from a container, bag, room, or space.
"He emptied out all his pockets before putting his jeans in the washing machine."
separable
empty out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To remove all the contents from a container or space, or for a place to become completely empty of people.
In plain English
To take everything out of something, or for a place to have no people left in it.
What does "empty out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
(Of a place) to become completely empty of people.
"The cinema emptied out quickly once the credits began to roll."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something completely empty by taking things out — fully transparent.
Actually means
To take everything out of something, or for a place to have no people left in it.
Usage tip
Very common and easy to understand. Can be used transitively ('She emptied out her bag') or intransitively ('The stadium emptied out quickly after the match'). Used in both British and American English by all age groups.
Words that pair with "empty out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bag pockets room stadium box drawer
How to conjugate "empty out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
empty out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
empties out
he/she/it
Past simple
emptied out
yesterday
Past participle
emptied out
have + pp
-ing form
emptying out
continuous
Hear "empty out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "empty out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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