Put | Mean of put in English Dictionary

/ˈpʊt/

• Verb
• to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular place or position
1. She put [=placed, set] the plant near the window.
2. Put the car in the garage.
3. I put the keys on the table.
4. He put his arms around her and held her tight.
• to cause (something) to go into or through something in a forceful way
1. He fell and accidentally put his hand through a window.
• to cause (someone) to be in a particular place or send (someone) to a particular place
1. The illness put her in the hospital for three days.
2. They put her in prison for forgery.
3. Her parents decided to put her in a special school for deaf children.
4. If she drove 55 mph for 20 minutes, that would put her about halfway there by now.

• to show that (someone or something) is in a particular place
1. The evidence/report puts the defendant at the scene of the crime. [=it shows that the defendant was at the scene of the crime]
• to write (something) with a pen or pencil in or on something
1. Don't forget to put your signature on the check.
2. He put his phone number on a napkin.
3. Put a circle around the correct answer.
4. I wrote that the answer was option B. What did you put?
5. She had always dreamed of writing a novel, but she never actually put pen to paper. [=started writing]
• to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular state or condition
1. Not exercising puts you at greater risk of developing heart disease.
2. Put the TV on channel 5, please.
3. Who put you in charge/command/control?
4. I told her some jokes to put her in/into a good mood.
5. His careless spending put him in/into debt.
6. Their actions have put them in serious danger.
7. Her reassuring words put us at ease. [=made us feel calm and relaxed]
8. Put that idea out of your mind. [=stop thinking about that idea]
9. They said they shot the injured horse to put it out of its misery. [=so that it would not continue to suffer]
10. They have put their competitors out of business.
11. The new technology could put him out of a job. = It could put him out of work. [=it could make him lose his job]
12. He's putting the children to bed. [=helping them get into their beds]
• to cause (someone or something) to do work or perform a task
1. She put the kids to work cleaning the basement.
• to use (something)
1. They are ready to put the plan in action/motion.
2. putting an idea into action/effect/practice
3. The new weapon was immediately put to use by the military.
4. I don't need this camera, but maybe you can put it to good use.
• to cause (something) to have an effect on someone or something
1. He puts [=places] great emphasis on the need for new leadership. [=he strongly emphasizes the need for new leadership]
2. She has been putting pressure on us to finish the project early.
3. Another child would put a heavy strain on their finances. [=would strain their finances very much]
4. A special tax/duty/surcharge was put on luxury items.
5. They want to put a limit on government spending.
• to say or express (something)
1. As she put it, “You can't please everyone.”
2. How should I put this? I don't think you're cut out for this job.
3. Well put!
4. Let me put it another way.
5. I think you're incompetent, to put it bluntly.
6. It was a difficult experience, to put it mildly. [=it was a very difficult experience]
7. She finds it hard to put her feelings into words. [=to say what her feelings are]
• to ask (a question) or make (a suggestion) to someone
1. Let me put this question to you [=let me ask you this question]: what do we do now?
2. I put my plan/proposal before the board of directors for consideration.
• to ask a group of people to formally vote on (something)
1. They plan on putting the motion/resolution to a/the vote this afternoon.
• to add music to (words)
1. She writes the lyrics and he puts [=sets] them to music.
• to throw (a shot put)
• to tell many people about (something)
1. They put about the news that he was resigning. = They put it about that he was resigning.
• to change direction
1. The ship put about and sailed back out to sea.
• to cause (a boat or ship) to change direction
1. a boat that can be put about quickly
• to cause (something) to be clearly understood
1. She has had trouble putting her message across to voters.
• to cause (yourself) to appear to be (a particular type of person)
1. He tries to put himself across as [=to make other people believe that he is] a nice guy.
• to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
1. She's been putting aside some money for a vacation.
2. Can you put a few minutes aside for a short meeting?
• to stop worrying or thinking about (something)
1. We need to put these problems aside for now and get the work done.
2. It's time to put aside our differences and start working together.
• to guess or estimate (something) to be (something)
1. The coroner put his time of death at 7:00. [=the coroner estimated that the time of his death was 7:00]
2. Recent estimates put the number of unreported cases at 2,000 each year.
• to return (something) to the place where it belongs
1. He washed, dried, and put away the dishes after dinner.
2. She put the pictures away for safekeeping.
3. Put your notes away. It's time for the test.
• to eat (a large amount of food)
1. I used to put away huge meals before I went on a diet.
2. That guy can really put it away!
• to cause (someone) to be kept in a prison or mental hospital
1. He's a vicious criminal. I hope they put him away for the rest of his life.
• to change (a planned event) to start at a later date or time
1. They put back [=pushed back, postponed] the game until next week.
2. The meeting has been put back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• to ask (a person or group) to make a decision about (something)
1. The problem of downtown parking was put before the mayor/council.
2. We should put this question before the voters.
• to stop worrying about or being upset by (something that happened in the past)
1. It was a disappointing loss, but we need to put it behind us and focus on winning the next game.
2. Put the past behind you.
• to save (money) for a later time
1. She has put some money by [=put aside] for emergencies.
• to place (someone or something that you have been holding or carrying) on a table, on the floor, etc.
1. She carefully put the vase down on the table.
2. The police ordered him to put down the gun.
3. I don't need you to carry me. Put me down!
• to add (someone or something) to a list
1. Don't forget to put down milk and bread on the shopping list.
• to say critical or insulting things about (someone or something)
1. He frequently puts down her work.
2. Her parents are always putting her down.
3. He puts himself down a lot, but he's really quite an attractive man.
• to write (something)
1. She says that the reporter put her quote down incorrectly.
2. Every night, he puts his thoughts down in a journal.
3. I need to put down my thoughts on paper before I forget them.
4. What answer did you put down on the test?
• to give (an amount of money) as a first payment when you are buying something that costs a lot of money
1. We put 10 percent down on the house. = We put down a 10 percent deposit on the house.
2. Put no money down and pay no interest on the car until next year.
• to put (something) in place on the floor or ground
1. Putting down [=installing] a new hardwood floor would greatly increase the value of your home.
2. We put down a layer of mulch in the rose garden.
• to stop (a violent or dangerous activity) by using force
1. Federal troops were brought in to help put down the riot.
2. put down a rebellion/revolt/uprising
• to kill (an animal) in a way that causes it little pain usually because it is injured or sick
1. They had to have their dog put down [=put to sleep] by the vet.
• to end a telephone connection
1. She said goodbye and put down the phone. [=hung up the phone]
2. She put the phone down on him. [=she hung up the phone while he was still talking to her]
• to formally suggest (something) as an idea to be discussed and voted on by a group of people
1. putting down an amendment in Parliament
• to land or to cause (an airplane) to land
1. Our plane put down [=landed] in New York around 2 p.m.
2. The pilot was forced to put [=set] the plane down in a field.
• to place (a baby or child) in a bed to sleep
1. He put the baby down (in her crib) for a nap.
• to think of (someone) as (a specified kind of person or thing)
1. Most people put him down as [=believe that he is] a fanatic.
• to write the name of (someone) on a list of people who will do or give (something)
1. Can I put you down for a donation? [=can I write that you will give a donation?]
2. Sure, put me down for $20.
• to say or think that (something) happened because of (something)
1. Let's put the mistake down to your inexperience and forget about it.
2. The mistake was put down to [=attributed to] his inexperience.
• to suggest (an idea, plan, etc.) for people to think about or consider
1. The same argument has been put forth by many people in the opposition.
2. I would like to put forth some alternatives.
3. putting forth a plan/proposal/theory
• to use (something, such as energy) for a particular purpose
1. She put forth all her energy to win the race.
2. They put forth a good effort.
• to produce or send out (something) by growing
1. The trees are starting to put forth new leaves.
• to suggest (something) for consideration
1. He put forward [=put forth] a theory about how the accident may have occurred.
• to make (something) ready to be used in a certain place
1. We put in new cabinets just last year.
2. In order to fix the car they have to put in a new engine.
• to add (a comment) to a conversation or argument
1. She put a quick comment in about her busy schedule.
2. I'd like to put in a few words on his behalf. [=to say something that supports him]
3. Would you mind putting in a good word for me? [=would you say something good about me?]
4. You will each have a chance to put in your two cents. [=to express your opinion]
• to make an official statement, offer, or request
1. She put in a plea of not guilty. [=she pleaded not guilty]
2. I need to put in [=make, submit] a report about this.
3. You have two weeks to put in [=submit] a claim with the insurance company.
4. They are putting in [=making] a $300,000 offer for the house.
5. I'd like to put in [=place] an order for a dozen roses.
6. Contractors have begun putting in bids for the job.
• to perform (a particular action)
1. They put in an amazing performance last night.
2. The prime minister put in a call to [=called] the White House.
3. I won't be able to stay at the party long, but I'll at least try to put in an appearance. [=to go to the party for a short time]
• to work or do something for (an amount of time)
1. She put in 10 hours at the office yesterday.
2. She put in a long day at work.
3. He has put in his time (in jail), and now he is a free man.
• to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing something
1. If we put in a little more effort, we could finish by this afternoon.
2. He puts a lot of energy in his performances.
• to invest (money) into (something)
1. She put her money in stocks and bonds.
• to ask for (something) in an official way
1. He put in for a leave of absence.
2. putting in for a promotion
• to enter a harbor or port
1. The ship put in at Sydney.
• to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing (something)
1. He puts a lot of energy into his performances.
2. She put her heart into (writing) the letter. [=she expressed her feelings in a very open and honest way]
• to invest (time, money, etc.) in (something)
1. They put their entire life savings into the company.
2. We put a lot of money into (fixing up) that house.
• to decide that (something) will happen at a later time
1. The meeting has been put off until next week. = We put off (holding) the meeting until next week.
2. I've been meaning to call him, but I keep putting it off.
3. I've been putting off calling him.
• to cause (someone) to wait
1. I need to come up with an excuse to put off the bill collector.
2. She finally called him after putting him off all week.
• to cause (someone) to dislike someone or something
1. Don't let the restaurant's dingy appearance put you off—their food is great.
2. I was put off by his rudeness.
3. (chiefly Brit) His rudeness put me off him [=made me dislike him] at once.
• to allow (someone) to get off a bus or other vehicle
1. Could you put [=let] me off (the bus) at the next stop, please?
• to dress yourself in (clothing)
1. She put on her new dress.
2. Put on a hat and gloves.
3. I'll put some clothes on and be right there.
• to apply (something) to your face or body
1. putting on lipstick/mascara/lotion
2. She puts on far too much makeup.
3. We tried to put on a happy/brave face [=we tried to appear happy/brave] despite our concern.
• to add to or increase the amount of (something)
1. The fire was getting low and we needed to put on more wood.
2. She put on [=gained] 40 pounds during her pregnancy.
3. He's put on some weight recently.
• to cause (a machine, a light, etc.) to begin to work
1. Would you mind if I put [=turned] the TV on?
2. Somebody put on the lights.
• to cause (something) to begin to be heard, seen, produced, etc.
1. put on a record/CD/album
2. putting on some music
3. We put on the air-conditioning/heat in the car.
• to start cooking or making (something)
1. Let me know when to put on the rice.
2. He put on a pot of coffee for his guests.
• to produce (something that entertains people, such as a play, a party, etc.)
1. They're putting on a concert.
2. He always puts on a great show/performance.
3. The town puts on a fireworks display every Independence Day.
4. We are putting on a barbecue for everyone in the neighborhood.
• to say that (someone or something) is responsible for or guilty of (something)
1. Responsibility for the accident was put on the other driver.
2. He puts much of the blame for his problems on the government.
• to bet (an amount of money) on (someone or something)
1. We put $2 on the favorite to win.
2. putting money on horse races
• to add (someone or something) to (a list or group of related things)
1. She asked to have her name put on the list of candidates.
2. They put her on the list.
3. We put several new dishes on the menu.
4. “Bartender, I'll have another beer.” “Okay, I'll put it on your bill.”
• to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way
1. He said he knew the President, but I think he was just putting me on. [=(Brit) having me on]
• to tell (someone) to use or do (something)
1. Her doctor put her on medication. [=her doctor prescribed medication for her]
2. He decided to put himself on a diet. [=to go on a diet]
• to give (someone) information about (something)
1. A friend of mine put me on to this book in high school.
• to cause (something) to stop burning
1. She put the fire out by pouring water on it.
2. She put out her cigarette in an ashtray.
• to stop (something) from working
1. Who put out [=turned off] the lights?
• to take (something) outside and leave it there
1. I put the dog out in the backyard before leaving the house.
2. putting horses out to graze
3. (US) Don't forget to put out the trash/garbage. = (Brit) Don't forget to put out the rubbish.
• to extend (something) outward
1. I put out my hand and he shook it eagerly.
2. She put out her arm for them to stop.
• to place (something) where people may use it
1. He always put out a bowl of candy for the grandchildren.
2. We should put out a few extra chairs in case more people arrive.
• to produce (something)
1. This small radiator puts out a surprising amount of heat.
2. They will have to put out considerable effort to meet the deadline.
3. It was early spring, and the trees were just starting to put out their leaves.
• to make (something) available to be bought, used, etc.
1. She plans to put out a new album in March.
2. They need to be putting out cars that get better gas mileage.
3. The information was given in a pamphlet put out by the university's health department.
4. Researchers recently put out a report/study on the issue.
5. The police have put out [=issued] a warrant for his arrest.
6. Someone put the word out [=started telling people] that the police were looking for her.
• to annoy or bother (someone)
1. All the attention didn't seem to put her out at all.
2. I'm a little put out that no one called to tell me they would be late.
• to cause (someone) to do extra work
1. I hope my visit didn't put you out. [=didn't inconvenience you]
2. Please don't put yourself out just for us.
• to make (someone) unconscious
1. The anesthesia put him out for a little over three hours.
• to cause (someone) to be out in baseball or cricket
1. The runner was put out at second base.
• to have sex with someone
1. Did she put out last night?
• to leave a harbor or port
1. The ship put out to sea.
• to lie about (something) to (someone)
1. Don't try to put anything over on her. She'll see right through you.
• to cause (something) to be accepted or done successfully
1. They put through a number of reforms.
2. tax cuts that were put through by former administrations
3. I asked Human Resources to help me put through [=to help me get] a transfer to a different department.
• to pay for (someone) to attend (school)
1. She has a full-time job and is putting herself through college.
• to cause (someone or something) to experience (something)
1. His doctor put him through a series of tests.
2. She put her parents through a lot when she was a teenager.
3. You've been put through quite an ordeal.
4. I've been put through hell!
5. We put that truck through a lot when we owned it.
6. The new software still needs to be put through its paces [=it still needs to be tested] before it can be made available to the public.
• to cause a phone call from (someone) to be sent to another person's phone
1. Please hold while I put you through (to the manager).
• to cause (a phone call) to be sent to another person's phone
1. Please hold while I put your call through (to the manager).
• to create (something) by joining or gathering parts together
1. You'll need a screwdriver to put the toy together.
2. They put their first band together when they were in high school.
3. Help me put together a list of what we need at the store.
4. She put a proposal together to give to the committee for consideration.
5. Her outfit was very well put together. [=the parts looked good together]
• to add or combine (something) with (something)
1. I never would have thought of putting this wine together with fish.
2. The lack of rain put together with [=along with, combined with] the heat ruined many of the region's crops.
• to place (something) in a higher position
1. They put up the flag in the morning and take it down at night.
2. Sit down. Put your feet up and relax.
3. If you have a question, please put up [=raise] your hand.
4. Stop! Put your hands up (over your head)!
5. When she goes to work, she usually puts her hair up (in a ponytail).
• to cause (something) to be on a wall, to hang from a ceiling, etc.
1. She went around town putting up posters for the concert.
2. I just put up new curtains.
• to set or place (something) so that it stands up
1. putting up a tent
2. They put up a display of new products.
3. They put up a “for sale” sign in front of their house.
• to build (something)
1. They're putting up a new office building on Main Street.
2. putting up a fence
• to make (something) available for people to buy or have
1. The lamps were put up at auction.
2. They put all of their possessions up for sale.
3. They put the puppies up for adoption.
• to provide (money, property, etc.) in order to pay for something
1. They decided not to put up the money for her bail.
2. They put up the company's assets as collateral on the loan.
• to offer (something) as a prize
1. The police have put up a $1,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
• to increase (something)
1. They are likely to put up interest rates again this year.
• to preserve (fruits, vegetables, etc.) to be used later
1. Their grandmother spent the afternoon putting up peaches.
• to do (something) as a way of resisting or struggling against someone or something
1. We're not leaving without putting up a fight. [=without fighting]
2. As expected, the kids put up a fuss when we said it was time for bed.
3. They are likely to put up stiff resistance to any new proposals.
• to offer (something) as an argument, a suggestion, etc.
1. She put up a good/solid argument in his defense.
2. putting up a proposal
• to score (points)
1. They put up 20 points in the first half.
2. She needs to put up big numbers [=to score a lot of points] in today's game.
• to give food and shelter to (someone)
1. Could you put me up for the night?
2. His employers put him up at a hotel.
3. We put our guests up in the spare bedroom.
• to stay in someone's home, a hotel, etc., for the night
1. He put up with a friend while he was in town.
2. putting up at a hotel
• to choose or suggest (someone) to be a candidate or competitor
1. The party put her up (as its candidate) for governor.
2. They put up their best man to compete against the champion.
• to convince (someone) to do (something stupid or foolish)
1. His friends put him up to (playing) the prank.
2. Who put you up to this?
• to allow (someone or something unpleasant or annoying) to exist or happen
1. At this school, we will not put up with bad behavior.
2. I can't put up with much more of this.
• Noun
• the act of throwing a shot put
• to stay where you are
1. Stay put until I get back.