1 B1 idiomatic informal
To pay money for something, especially when it is expensive or you are doing so reluctantly.
"I had to fork out three hundred pounds to get my car fixed."
separable
fork out
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To pay money for something, especially reluctantly or when it seems expensive.
In plain English
Pay money for something, usually when you don't really want to.
What does "fork out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To lift money out as if with a fork — the image of reluctantly digging into one's pocket.
Actually means
Pay money for something, usually when you don't really want to.
Usage tip
Very common in British English. Almost always implies that the speaker considers the payment unwelcome, excessive, or unavoidable. Often followed by 'for': 'fork out for a new car'.
Words that pair with "fork out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money cash repairs tickets fees rent
How to conjugate "fork out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fork out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
forks out
he/she/it
Past simple
forked out
yesterday
Past participle
forked out
have + pp
-ing form
forking out
continuous
Hear "fork out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fork out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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