lookout
n.-
1 a person on watch (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person who is responsible for watching for danger or for something approaching.
a person stationed to keep watch for approaching danger, enemies, or specific events.
ExampleThe bank robbers left one man outside to act as a lookout for the police.
ExampleThe ship's lookout was the first to spot the distant lights of the harbour through the thick morning fog.
UsageOften used with the indefinite article 'a'.
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2 the act of watching (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of watching carefully for something, often used in the phrase 'on the lookout'.
the act or state of keeping a systematic watch for someone or something.
ExampleYou should be on the lookout for a blue car parked near the entrance.
ExampleSecurity teams remained on the lookout for any suspicious activity during the high-profile political summit.
UsageCommonly appears in the idiomatic phrase 'on the lookout for'.
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3 a vantage point (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea high place where you can see a long way, like a balcony or a hill.
an elevated place or structure that affords a wide view of the surrounding area.
ExampleWe stopped at a mountain lookout to take photos of the valley below.
ExampleThe coastal lookout provided the rangers with an unobstructed view of the migrating whale pods.
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4 personal concern (n.) C1 Advanced British English Informalyour own problem or responsibility.
an individual's personal concern, prospect, or responsibility.
ExampleIf he chooses to ignore the warning, that is his lookout.
ExampleThe manager made it clear that if the staff failed to meet the deadline, it would be their own lookout during the performance review.
Teacher's tipThis sense is primarily British and can sound slightly dismissive or cold.
Deverbal from look out.