stand·out
ˈstand-ˌau̇t 
often attributive
: one that is prominent or conspicuous especially because of excellence
stood out; standing out; stands out
1
a
: to stick out from a surface : project
b
: to be prominent or conspicuous
His bright hat made him stand out in the crowd.
also
: to be better or more important in a conspicuous way
His performance really stood out.
One part of the testimony stands out.
2
: to steer away from shore
3
: to be stubborn in resolution or resistance
Examples of standout in a Sentence
Noun
She is a standout among the available candidates.
All the cameras we tested were good, but there was no real standout.
Verb
the relief figures stand out from the wall quite strikingly
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Pritt, Charlotte Observer, 3 Jan. 2026
The outgoing traffic on the University of Arkansas football roster continued at a steady pace Friday, headlined by starting offensive lineman and in-state standout E'Marion Harris, as the NCAA transfer portal officially opened for the only time this year.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026
Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Two moments with Clapton stand out in my mind.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standout
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
In addition to answering an opening field goal from the Bulldogs, Bartley’s return set a new mark for the longest scoring play in Duke’s May Bowl history, eclipsing an 86-yard punt return turned in by former North Carolina standout Ryan Switzer in 2013 against Cincinnati.
—Ryan Pritt, Charlotte Observer, 3 Jan. 2026
The outgoing traffic on the University of Arkansas football roster continued at a steady pace Friday, headlined by starting offensive lineman and in-state standout E'Marion Harris, as the NCAA transfer portal officially opened for the only time this year.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
Houston’s Museum District is a true oasis of art in Texas, with The Museum of Fine Arts standing out as one of the region’s crown jewels.
—Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Two moments with Clapton stand out in my mind.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for standout
Cite this Entry
“Standout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standout. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
standout
1 of 2 noun
stand·out
ˈstan-ˌdau̇t
: one that is well-known or outstanding especially because of excellence
stand out
2 of 2 verb(ˈ)stan-ˈdau̇t
1
: to stick out from a surface : project
2
: to be easily seen or recognized
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