1 C1 neutral
For a light, flame, or similar source to suddenly go out or disappear.
"One by one, the lights in the village winked out as the storm cut the power."
inseparable
wink out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For a light, flame, or other small source to disappear suddenly or go out abruptly.
In plain English
For a light or flame to suddenly stop shining and disappear.
What does "wink out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
(figurative) For something abstract such as hope, consciousness, or a life to suddenly cease.
"His smile winked out the moment she mentioned the accident."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like a winking light that blinks and then goes dark — the image is visually transparent.
Actually means
For a light or flame to suddenly stop shining and disappear.
Usage tip
Literary in flavour; more common in written and descriptive prose than in everyday conversation. Creates a vivid image of something blinking once and then vanishing. Can be used metaphorically for lives, hopes, or signals disappearing.
Words that pair with "wink out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light flame star signal candle life
How to conjugate "wink out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wink out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
winks out
he/she/it
Past simple
winked out
yesterday
Past participle
winked out
have + pp
-ing form
winking out
continuous
Hear "wink out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wink 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.