1 B1 neutral
To make something available for others to use in exchange for payment.
"The local farm hires out machinery to smallholders who can't afford to buy their own."
separable
hire out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To make something or one's services available for payment, either by an owner or by a worker.
In plain English
To let someone use something or do a job for money.
What does "hire out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To offer one's own skills or labour for payment, especially on a freelance or temporary basis.
"After losing his full-time job, he hired himself out as a handyman to local businesses."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To send something or someone out for hire.
Actually means
To let someone use something or do a job for money.
Usage tip
Common in British English; American English more often uses 'rent out'. Can apply to objects (equipment, cars, buildings) or labour (a person hiring themselves out for work). Reflexive use ('hire yourself out') is common.
Words that pair with "hire out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
equipment vehicles hall skills services boat labour
How to conjugate "hire out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hire out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hires out
he/she/it
Past simple
hired out
yesterday
Past participle
hired out
have + pp
-ing form
hiring out
continuous
Hear "hire out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hire out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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