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come out — 4 meanings

One phrase, 4 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb4 meanings
  1. 1 be released (for books, movies, products, etc.)To become available to the public, such as a new book, movie, or product.
  2. 2 become known (information, truth, secret)To become known or revealed, especially something that was hidden or secret.
  3. 3 appear (become visible or attend)To appear or become visible, or to go somewhere, especially after being hidden or not present.
  4. 4 declare sexual orientationTo publicly reveal that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or otherwise not heterosexual, often after having kept it private.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

be released (for books, movies, products, etc.)

B1come out sthMost common

To become available to the public, such as a new book, movie, or product.

The new smartphone will come out next month.

A: Have you seen the latest Marvel movie?
B: Not yet, I think it comes out this Friday.

I’m really looking forward to the new book by my favorite author. It’s supposed to come out in September.

Common mistake

✗The book came out to the public last week.

✓The book came out last week.

'Come out' already means 'be released to the public' — the extra phrase is redundant.

Tell it apart

Her album comes out on Friday.

is released

The truth came out on Friday.

became known
Use 'come out' when talking about when something new is released or published.Not the same as 'go out' (to leave a place) or 'bring out' (to make something available).

Often paired with

come out + release timing
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2

become known (information, truth, secret)

B2come out sth

To become known or revealed, especially something that was hidden or secret.

It finally came out that he had been lying about his qualifications.

A: Did you hear what came out about the company?
B: No, what happened?

Sometimes, when a mistake comes out at work, it can be embarrassing but it’s important to be honest.

Common mistake

✗I came out that he'd lied.

✓It came out that he'd lied. / I found out that he'd lied.

This sense is impersonal — 'it came out that…'. For discovering it yourself, use 'find out'.

Tell it apart

It came out that the figures were wrong.

became known

The report came out on Monday.

was published/released
Use 'come out' when information becomes public, not when you personally discover it.Different from 'find out' (to discover something yourself).

Often paired with

come out + truth surfacing
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3

appear (become visible or attend)

B1come out from/behind/into

To appear or become visible, or to go somewhere, especially after being hidden or not present.

The sun finally came out after a week of rain.

A: Is Mia here yet?
B: She just came out of the meeting room.

When I was a child, I was shy and didn’t come out much, but now I enjoy meeting new people.

Common mistake

✗Why don't you come out us tonight?

✓Why don't you come out with us tonight?

To join someone socially it's 'come out with' — don't drop 'with'.

Tell it apart

The sun finally came out.

appeared

The results came out today.

were released
Use 'come out' for something or someone appearing or becoming visible.Not the same as 'go out' (to leave a place to do something).

Often paired with

come out + appear/join
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4

declare sexual orientation

C1come out sth)

To publicly reveal that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or otherwise not heterosexual, often after having kept it private.

After years of hiding his true self, he finally decided to come out at the age of 25.

A: Did you hear that Jamie came out last week?
B: Yes, I’m really proud of them for being so open about who they are.

In recent years, more public figures have chosen to come out, which has contributed to greater acceptance and understanding within society.

Common mistake

✗He came out himself as gay.

✓He came out as gay. / He came out to his parents.

No reflexive — 'come out as X' or 'come out to someone'.

Tell it apart

She came out to her family last year.

revealed her sexuality

The news came out last year.

became known publicly
This sense is used when someone publicly reveals their sexual orientation or gender identity, especially after keeping it private. It is neutral in register and widely accepted in both spoken and written English, but it is specific to discussions about sexuality or gender identity.Unlike the B2 sense 'become known (information, truth, secret)', this sense is specifically about publicly declaring one's sexual orientation or gender identity, not just any secret or information.

Often paired with

come out + as/to
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be released (for books, movies, products, etc.)become known (information, truth, secret)appear (become visible or attend)declare sexual orientation