clean out
phrasal 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
After cleaning out the cast list and the walk-in closet of people from Carrie’s past, King emerges with a fresher, more balanced and focused show that has come a long way from the SATC nostalgia act of Season 1.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
The interior has been stripped down and cleaned out, revealing beautiful features (and the need for extensive work).
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 14 May 2025
Mock also suggests handling more minor cleaning and organizing tasks yourself like organizing cabinets, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning out the fridge.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
Local residents are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, cleaning out their old bunkers.
—Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clean out
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Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
The interior has been stripped down and cleaned out, revealing beautiful features (and the need for extensive work).
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 14 May 2025
Mock also suggests handling more minor cleaning and organizing tasks yourself like organizing cabinets, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning out the fridge.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
Local residents are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, cleaning out their old bunkers.
—Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025
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 5 Jun. 2025.
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