1 B1 idiomatic informal
To produce something in large quantities, often rapidly.
"The studio has been pumping out action films at an incredible rate this year."
separable
pump out
B1 neutral separable transitive
To produce or emit something in large quantities, or to remove liquid using a pump.
In plain English
To make a lot of something quickly, or to remove water or liquid with a pump.
What does "pump out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To emit or release something (gas, smoke, sound, etc.) continuously and in large amounts.
"The factory was pumping out thick black smoke into the sky."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To remove water or liquid from a space using a pump.
"Firefighters spent hours pumping out the flooded basement."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a pump to force liquid out — extended to any high-volume production.
Actually means
To make a lot of something quickly, or to remove water or liquid with a pump.
Usage tip
The figurative sense (produce in quantity) is very common in journalism and business. The literal sense (remove water) is used in technical and practical contexts. Often used critically to imply overproduction.
Words that pair with "pump out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
content music carbon emissions water records propaganda
How to conjugate "pump out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pump out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pumps out
he/she/it
Past simple
pumped out
yesterday
Past participle
pumped out
have + pp
-ing form
pumping out
continuous
Hear "pump out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pump 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.