cool out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial, spoken.
Quick answer
What does “cool out” mean?
to relax, become calm, or unwind after agitation or stress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to relax, become calm, or unwind after agitation or stress.
To spend time in a relaxed, unhurried manner, often with friends; to reduce tension or anger in a situation; to calm someone else down.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and native in American English, particularly in African American and youth culture. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; alternatives like "chill out" are dominant.
Connotations
In AmE: strong cultural ties to music (jazz, soul) and urban vernacular, implying a stylish, effortless relaxation. In BrE: perceived as an Americanism, used for stylistic effect or in specific subcultures.
Frequency
High frequency in informal AmE, especially among younger speakers. Low frequency in general BrE, where it may sound imported or niche.
Grammar
How to Use “cool out” in a Sentence
[Subject] cools out.[Subject] cools out [Prepositional Phrase: with friends/at home].[Subject] cools [Object] out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cool out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After that argument, he went for a walk to cool out.
- We just cooled out at the pub for a few hours.
- Mate, you need to cool out a bit.
American English
- You should cool out before you say something you regret.
- Let's cool out at my place and listen to some records.
- I'm just cooling out with my crew this weekend.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely, except in very informal conversations between close colleagues (e.g., 'Let's cool out before we reply to that email.').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal speech among friends and family to suggest taking a break or calming emotions.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cool out”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Incorrect word order: *'out cool' is wrong.
- Using it as a noun: *'Let's have a cool out.' (Use 'Let's cool out.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'cool out' often carries a stronger connotation of recovering from a specific agitated state and is more rooted in specific cultural vernaculars (AAVE). 'Chill out' is more mainstream and general.
No, it is far too informal. Use professional alternatives like 'relax', 'unwind', or 'decompress' if the context allows.
'Cool down' is often used for physical recovery after exercise or for objects losing heat. 'Cool out' is primarily for emotional or social relaxation and unwinding.
Yes, when used transitively. For example: 'Some tea helped to cool him out.' (Object 'him' is placed between 'cool' and 'out').
to relax, become calm, or unwind after agitation or stress.
Cool out is usually informal, colloquial, spoken. in register.
Cool out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkuːl ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkul ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cool your jets (related in meaning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of cooling down a hot drink; you let it 'cool out' so you can enjoy it without burning yourself. Similarly, you 'cool out' your hot emotions.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IS HEAT / CALMNESS IS COOLNESS. To become calm is to lose emotional heat.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cool out' LEAST appropriate?