clean out
verb
cleaned out; cleaning out; cleans out
1
: to remove unwanted things from (a room, closet, etc.)
We spent the weekend cleaning out the garage.
2
informal
: to steal or take everything from (someone or something)
The thieves broke in and cleaned out the store.
3
informal
: to use up all or most of the money of (someone)
Buying the house really cleaned us out. Now we're broke.
Examples of clean out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That cleaned out the upper ranks pretty thoroughly, though Joly is an accomplished pass-catcher.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Crafting, puzzles, cleaning out your closet, organizing your pantry, or reading a book all fall into this category.
—Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026
When the golf event was originally moved to Carlton Woods in 2023, a lake located between the ninth and 18th holes was dredged, cleaned out, and netting was even installed to keep animals, including alligators, out of it so the winner could jump in after securing victory.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Spruce Up Your Landscaping Tending to your yard, cleaning out the gutters, and making sure all of your exterior lights work are great home upgrades for sellers to tackle for spring, Bell says.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clean out
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Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Crafting, puzzles, cleaning out your closet, organizing your pantry, or reading a book all fall into this category.
—Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026
When the golf event was originally moved to Carlton Woods in 2023, a lake located between the ninth and 18th holes was dredged, cleaned out, and netting was even installed to keep animals, including alligators, out of it so the winner could jump in after securing victory.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Spruce Up Your Landscaping Tending to your yard, cleaning out the gutters, and making sure all of your exterior lights work are great home upgrades for sellers to tackle for spring, Bell says.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clean out
Cite this Entry
“Clean out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clean%20out. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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