1 C1 formal
To formally discharge or release someone from military service.
"After four years of service, he was mustered out with an honourable discharge."
separable
muster out
C1 formal separable transitive/intransitive
To formally discharge someone from military service.
In plain English
To officially leave or be released from the army or military.
What does "muster out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To gather (muster) people together to send them out — the procedural military sense is a specialised extension.
Actually means
To officially leave or be released from the army or military.
Usage tip
Primarily American English, used in historical contexts (especially the Civil War and WWII). Largely replaced in modern usage by 'discharge.' May appear in historical fiction, military memoirs, or journalism. The opposite is 'muster in.'
Words that pair with "muster out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
troops soldiers veterans regiment service war
How to conjugate "muster out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
muster out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
musters out
he/she/it
Past simple
mustered out
yesterday
Past participle
mustered out
have + pp
-ing form
mustering out
continuous
Hear "muster out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "muster out"
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