sing out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To cry out, e.g. when in pain.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

“But I have known men sing out dreadfully when punished; if they had got enough of rum, it would have supported them, and they would not have sung out.” “Not one drop for me, Charley Hunter; I shall not sing out, I promise you, if they cut me to pieces

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To call out; yell.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To call out to signal or advise of something, especially when prearranged.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sing out” mean?

To cry out, e.g. when in pain.

Is “sing out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.