1 A2 neutral
To record your departure from a place by signing your name in a register.
"Don't forget to sign out when you leave the building after your shift."
inseparable
sign out
A2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To record your departure by signing a register, or to log out of a digital system.
In plain English
To write your name when you leave a place, or to close your account on a website or app.
What does "sign out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To log out of a digital account, app, or computer system.
"Always sign out of your email when using a shared computer."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To officially borrow equipment or materials from a facility by recording your name.
"You need to sign out any cameras from the media room before taking them off site."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write (sign) your name on the way out — indicating departure.
Actually means
To write your name when you leave a place, or to close your account on a website or app.
Usage tip
The physical sense (writing your name in a visitor log when leaving) and the digital sense (logging out of an account) are both very common. Can be transitive ('Please sign out the equipment'). Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "sign out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
account system register equipment library book visitor log
How to conjugate "sign out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sign out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
signs out
he/she/it
Past simple
signed out
yesterday
Past participle
signed out
have + pp
-ing form
signing out
continuous
Hear "sign out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sign 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.