—| B2-C1 (upper-intermediate to advanced) |—

In North American English, this word typically means:

• PHRASAL VERB (informal; transitive): to display something (see examples 1, 2 and 3)

  • NOTE: If this is used in the passive voice, then one must use the expression “put out on display” (see example 3)

• PHRASAL VERB (slang; intransitive): to consent to sexual acts in a relationship (see example 4)

EXAMPLES:

1. “My mother starts putting out her Christmas decorations every year on November 15th.”

2. “Parents will often wait until after their children have gone to bed on Christmas Eve before they put out the Christmas gifts from Santa.”

3. “All the school’s trophies were put out on display in glass cases in the front foyer for visitors and parents to see.”

4. “Even though it was sometimes frustrating to his girlfriends, he didn’t want to put out before he was married. He was traditional, and maintaining his virginity before marriage was important to him.”

When do you put out your decorations for Christmas? Let me know in the comments below.