1 A2 informal
To leave where you are and go to another place, usually in a relaxed or purposeful manner.
"We're going to head out for lunch in about ten minutes — want to come?"
inseparable
head out
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place and go somewhere, usually in a casual or purposeful way.
In plain English
To leave and go somewhere.
What does "head out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To move in a particular direction, often away from a central area toward the outskirts or open space.
"After setting up camp, they decided to head out into the desert to watch the sunset."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct yourself 'out' (outside or away from a place).
Actually means
To leave and go somewhere.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday American and British English. Typically used for casual departures rather than formal journeys. Often followed by a destination phrase ('head out to the shops', 'head out for a walk'). Friendly and conversational in tone.
Words that pair with "head out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
for a walk to the shops early soon tonight tomorrow
How to conjugate "head out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
head out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
heads out
he/she/it
Past simple
headed out
yesterday
Past participle
headed out
have + pp
-ing form
heading out
continuous
Hear "head out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "head 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.