keep out

verb

kept out; keeping out; keeps out
1
: to not enter a place
The sign on the door said "Keep out!"
2
: to stop or prevent (someone or something) from entering a place
The curtains help keep out the drafts.

Examples of keep out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These crocks and trays can be kept out on the counter for easy access while finishing off a sizzling steak in the skillet or stored in the fridge for firmer sticks. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 Most of the flood was kept out, but many residents believe volunteers – not the levee – saved the town from disaster. — Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 17 Aug. 2026 Build a Physical Fence Fences are the most reliable way to keep out deer. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026 One major change was that under Crews, the facility’s problems were kept out of the public eye, former employees said. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep out

Rhymes for keep out

See All Rhymes for keep out

Browse Nearby Words

keep oneself to oneself
keep out
keep out of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keep out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20out. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of divulge

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All