log out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal. Common in everyday digital contexts.
Quick answer
What does “log out” mean?
To terminate a session on a computer system, network, or website by formally exiting one's personal account.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To terminate a session on a computer system, network, or website by formally exiting one's personal account.
To formally end one's connection or presence in a digital environment. Can imply a deliberate action for security, privacy, or to conclude a task.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. 'Log off' is a slightly more common synonym in both varieties, but 'log out' is universally understood.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more technical/formulaic than 'sign out'.
Frequency
Equally frequent in modern digital contexts in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “log out” in a Sentence
[User] logs out (of [system]).[System] logs [user] out.[User] is logged out (by [system]).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “log out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You should always log out of your banking app on a public Wi-Fi.
- The system will automatically log you out after 15 minutes of inactivity.
American English
- Make sure to log out before closing the browser window.
- I can't log out; the button seems to be frozen.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for cybersecurity policies. 'All employees must log out of shared workstations.'
Academic
Used in IT and computer science contexts. 'The experiment required participants to log out after each task.'
Everyday
Very common for phones, apps, websites, public computers. 'Don't forget to log out of your email on my laptop.'
Technical
Refers to session termination, token invalidation. 'The API call triggers a global log out for the user's devices.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “log out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “log out”
- Using 'log out' without 'of' when specifying a system (e.g., 'Log out the system' is wrong; 'Log out of the system' is correct).
- Confusing 'log out' (exit) with 'logout' (the noun/event, e.g., 'a successful logout').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are virtually synonymous in modern usage. 'Log out' can sound slightly more technical, while 'sign out' is common on consumer websites/apps. Usage is often determined by the specific platform's chosen terminology.
As a verb, it is two words: 'log out'. The noun form (the action or event) is often written as one word ('logout') or hyphenated ('log-out'), e.g., 'The logout was successful.'
Yes, in a technical or administrative context. An administrator can 'log a user out' (force the termination of their session), and a system can 'log you out' automatically.
It is standard, neutral English. It is perfectly acceptable in professional and technical communication. In very formal writing, one might use 'terminate the session' but 'log out' remains clear and appropriate.
To terminate a session on a computer system, network, or website by formally exiting one's personal account.
Log out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒɡ ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɑːɡ ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Log out or lock out (security saying)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lumberjack (LOG) finishing work and stepping OUT of the forest. You finish your computer work and step out of your account.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGITAL SPACE IS A PHYSICAL ROOM. 'Logging out' is leaving the room and closing/locking the door behind you.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'log out' correctly?