dish out

verb

dished out; dishing out; dishes out
Synonyms of dish outnext

transitive verb

: to give or dispense freely
dish out gifts
dish out advice
dish out punishment

Examples of dish out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The erstwhile king of clay, nine-time champion Rafael Nadal, had been deposed in the quarterfinal, and the man who had dished out that comprehensive defeat, Novak Djokovic, would assume the throne. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 No one wants to stand there and watch their team lose when the Tri-Delts are dishing out free Jell-O shots down the street. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Many speak Russian, but also maintain their own native languages and traditions — dishing out their best gossip in the saunas while a Lakers game buzzes in the background. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 But on Sunday — against her former team, the Washington Spirit — the midfielder dished out her 11th as the Current won 2-1. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dish out

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dish out was in 1641

Rhymes for dish out

See All Rhymes for dish out

Browse Nearby Words

dishouse
dish out
dishpan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dish out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dish%20out. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dish out

verb
: to give out freely
dish out advice

More from Merriam-Webster on dish out

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dish out

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