1 A2 neutral
To extend or protrude beyond a surface or boundary.
"A nail was sticking out from the wall and she nearly cut her hand on it."
inseparable
stick out
B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
To protrude beyond a surface, to be very noticeable, or to endure something unpleasant.
In plain English
Poke out beyond something, be very easy to notice, or keep doing something difficult.
What does "stick out" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To be very noticeable or conspicuous, often because of being different.
"Wearing a suit to the beach made him stick out immediately."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To remain memorable or prominent in the mind.
"One moment from that holiday really sticks out in my memory."
inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic informal
To endure or persist with something difficult. (see also 'stick it out')
"It's a tough assignment but try to stick it out for one more week."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extend outward from a surface or container.
Actually means
Poke out beyond something, be very easy to notice, or keep doing something difficult.
Usage tip
'Stick out like a sore thumb' is a fixed idiom meaning to be very conspicuous. 'Stick it out' (endure) is also a fixed phrase. The protruding and conspicuousness senses are very common.
Words that pair with "stick out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
thumb tongue sore thumb crowd mind memory
How to conjugate "stick out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stick out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks out
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck out
yesterday
Past participle
stuck out
have + pp
-ing form
sticking out
continuous
Hear "stick out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stick out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "stick out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.