close out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal-Business
Quick answer
What does “close out” mean?
To finish or conclude something, typically a transaction, process, or period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To finish or conclude something, typically a transaction, process, or period.
Can mean to sell off remaining stock, to finalize financial positions (especially in trading), to end a project or phase, or to exclude someone from participation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, particularly in finance and retail. In British English, 'wind up', 'finish off', or 'sell off' might be more frequent in some contexts, though 'close out' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, finalizing connotation. In US business jargon, it's standard.
Frequency
High frequency in US business/finance contexts; medium frequency in UK similar contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “close out” in a Sentence
[Agent] + close out + [Transaction/Event] (e.g., We closed out the fiscal year.)[Agent] + close out + [Recipient] + of + [Event] (e.g., His error closed him out of the negotiations.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “close out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must close out the financial ledgers for the year-end report.
- The manager decided to close out the old stock at a heavy discount.
American English
- The fund will close out all short positions by Friday.
- Let's close out the meeting with a summary of action items.
adjective
British English
- The closeout prices on the sofa were excellent.
American English
- We found a great deal in the closeout section.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We need to close out the quarterly accounts before the audit.
Academic
The researcher used the final chapter to close out her argument.
Everyday
They're having a closeout sale on last season's clothing.
Technical
Traders must close out their futures positions before the contract expiry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “close out”
- Using 'close out' for physically shutting something (use 'shut' or 'close').
- Confusing 'close out' with 'close down' (terminate operations).
- Incorrect: 'Let's close out the window.' Correct: 'Let's close the window.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun (e.g., 'a closeout sale'), it's one word. As a verb, it's typically two words: 'to close out'.
'Close out' means to finalise or conclude an activity (like an account or sale). 'Close down' means to cease operations permanently (like a factory or website).
Yes, in contexts like negotiations or groups, e.g., 'His behaviour closed him out of the inner circle.'
It is standard formal business/financial terminology. In everyday speech, simpler words like 'finish' or 'end' are more common.
To finish or conclude something, typically a transaction, process, or period.
Close out: in British English it is pronounced /kləʊz ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kloʊz ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Close out the books”
- “A closeout sale”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shop CLOSing its doors at the end of the day to go OUT. It's the final act.
Conceptual Metaphor
FINISHING IS CLOSING A DOOR / SETTLING ACCOUNTS IS BALANCING A LEDGER
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'close out' LEAST appropriate?