1 A2 neutral
To allow a person, animal, or thing to exit an enclosed space.
"Can you let the dog out? He's been inside all day."
separable
let out
A2 neutral separable transitive
To allow someone or something to exit, to make a sound suddenly, or to expand clothing at the seams.
In plain English
To open the way for someone or something to leave, or to suddenly make a sound like a scream or laugh.
What does "let out" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 idiomatic neutral
To suddenly emit a sound such as a shout, scream, laugh, or breath.
"She let out a gasp when she saw the final score."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To reveal a secret or piece of information that was supposed to remain private.
"Who let out the details of the contract to the press?"
separable
4 B2 neutral
(British English) To rent property to a tenant.
"They're letting out their flat while they travel abroad for a year."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To allow something to exit from an enclosed space.
Actually means
To open the way for someone or something to leave, or to suddenly make a sound like a scream or laugh.
Usage tip
Highly versatile. Used for releasing people or animals, emitting sounds ('let out a cry'), disclosing information, renting property (British English), and altering garments. All senses are widely used.
Words that pair with "let out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
scream cry breath animal prisoner secret
How to conjugate "let out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
let out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets out
he/she/it
Past simple
let out
yesterday
Past participle
let out
have + pp
-ing form
letting out
continuous
Hear "let out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "let out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "let out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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