# tout

/ˈtaʊt/ (US) · /tˈaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tout
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to praise something or someone a lot to make people want them. You often see this when people are trying to sell a product or an idea.

For teachers: to promote or praise energetically, often with the intent of persuading others of a person's or thing's value. Frequently used in journalistic contexts regarding political or commercial prospects.

## Examples

- The company is touting its new phone as the best on the market.
- Local officials continue to tout the new stadium as a major boost for the city's economy.
- While critics remained skeptical of the startup's long-term viability, venture capitalists continued to tout the platform as a revolutionary shift in digital infrastructure.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He touts about his success" but "He touts his success" — Tout is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about' when describing the thing being praised.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; often used in the progressive 'touting'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.