1 A2 informal
To leave a place secretly, especially a home or institution, without permission.
"He used to sneak out of his bedroom window at midnight to meet his friends."
inseparable
sneak out
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place secretly, especially without permission or without being seen.
In plain English
To leave somewhere without letting anyone see you go, usually because you're not supposed to leave.
What does "sneak out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To leave a social event or meeting quietly and early to avoid drawing attention.
"The speech was so long that several guests sneaked out before the dinner was over."
inseparable
3 B1 informal
To take something out of a place secretly and without permission.
"She sneaked a copy of the report out of the office to show her friend."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sneak (move secretly) while going outward — largely transparent.
Actually means
To leave somewhere without letting anyone see you go, usually because you're not supposed to leave.
Usage tip
Very commonly used about teenagers leaving home at night without parents' knowledge. Also used figuratively for leaving a meeting or event early without being noticed.
Words that pair with "sneak out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
at night after curfew early back door window without permission
How to conjugate "sneak out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sneak out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sneaks out
he/she/it
Past simple
sneaked out
yesterday
Past participle
sneaked out
have + pp
-ing form
sneaking out
continuous
Hear "sneak out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sneak out"
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