stake out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To watch a location or people, generally covertly.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To mark off the limits by stakes.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To end the game by hitting the stake peg in the middle of the court.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stake out” mean?
To watch a location or people, generally covertly.
Is “stake out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.