The phrase “check out” is used today in several different situations to mean many different things. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the meaning of this phrase, especially if you don’t understand all the things it could mean. Here you will find all the definitions of this idiomatic phrase, information about its origin, and some example sentences and conversations so you can better see how the phrase is used in different circumstances based on its definitions. Finally, you will see some alternative words or phrases that can be used in place of this phrase during a conversation.
“Check Out” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Check out” often conveys the idea of examining, leaving, or completing a transaction, depending on the situation.
“Check Out” Meaning
The phrase “check out” has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used:
- To examine or inspect: It can mean to look at something carefully or to investigate it. For example, when someone says, “You should check out that new restaurant,” it means you should visit or explore the restaurant.
- To borrow items: In the context of libraries or stores, “check out” refers to the process of borrowing items. For example, “I need to check out this book from the library.”
- To complete a purchase: In retail and online shopping, “check out” refers to the process of finalizing a purchase. For example, “Please proceed to check out to complete your order.”
- To leave a place: In hotel contexts, it means to formally leave and settle your bill. For example, “We need to check out of the hotel by noon.”
Examples:
- “I heard that movie is really good; we should check it out this weekend.”
- “Donโt forget to check out the books you want before the library closes.”
- “You can check out online using your credit card.”
- “Make sure to check out before you leave the hotel.”
Origin of This Idiom
The phrase “check out” combines “check,” meaning to verify or examine, and “out,” indicating completion. It originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially used in libraries for borrowing books and later in retail for finalizing purchases and in hotels for settling bills.
Usage of “Check Out”
- In a recommendation:
“You should check out the latest movie; it’s getting great reviews!”
- In a hotel context:
“We need to check out by noon tomorrow, so make sure you pack everything tonight.”
- In a shopping scenario:
“After adding everything to your cart, click the button to check out and complete your purchase.”
- In a casual conversation:
“I just got a new book; you should check it out when you have time.”
Related Terms to “Check Out”
- Examine โ to inspect or look at something carefully.
- Inspect โ to examine something closely.
- Borrow โ to take and use something with the intention of returning it.
- Finalize โ to complete or conclude a process, especially a purchase.
- Purchase โ to buy something; the act of acquiring goods.
- Leave โ to exit a place, particularly in the context of hotels.
- Register โ to sign up or record information, often used in library contexts.
- Pay โ to give money in exchange for goods or services, particularly at check-out counters.
- Return โ to give back borrowed items, especially in libraries.
- Process โ to complete a series of actions, such as checking out in retail.
Alternatives to “Check Out”
There are several words or phrases that you can use that are synonymous with the idiomatic phrase “check out” depending on the context that it is used in. Some of the words or phrases you could use include:
- Look
- Leave
- Clock out
- Take a look
“Check Out” Examples
Example Sentences
- Check out that girl in the corner; she looks like the famous actress Julia Roberts.
- After a long day, I like to check out for at least eight hours and get a good night’s sleep.
- Police were called in to check out a suspect van.
- I made a phone call to check out his address.
- Guests should check out of their rooms by noon.
- Check out the lie of the land before you make a decision.
- Guests should check out of their rooms by noon.
- The library allows you to check out six books at a time.
Example Conversations
A discussion between the hotel front desk agent and a guest.
- Agent: Here is your key. Your room number is 301.
- Guest: What time is check out?
- Agent: Check out is at noon.
A discussion between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: I am going to check out the problem in the warehouse.
- Co-worker 2: Okay, but be sure to take some notes so we can tell the boss what is going on.