wink out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
For a light or flame to suddenly stop shining and disappear.
Literal meaning: Like a winking light that blinks and then goes dark — the image is visually transparent.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
light flame star signal candle life
Forms
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
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