lookout

look-out · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person stationed to keep watch for danger or to give warning.

  2. 2.

    A place from which to keep watch or view the landscape.

  3. 3.

    The act of keeping watch.

  4. 4.

    (Informal) Someone's concern or responsibility.

Forms

plural: lookouts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    be on the lookout for — To be watching carefully for something
  • •
    keep a lookout — To maintain vigilant observation
  • •
    that's your lookout — That's your problem or responsibility (British informal)

Related words

See also: guard, sentinel, viewpoint, watch
Synonyms: guard, observation post, sentinel, viewpoint, watch

Etymology

Compound of English look + out, first attested in the 17th century as a nautical term.