outgrow

verb

out·​grow ˌau̇t-ˈgrō 

outgrew ˌau̇t-ˈgrü  ; outgrown ˌau̇t-ˈgrōn  ; outgrowing

transitive verb

1

: to grow or increase faster than

… mankind is outgrowing food supplies.

—R. C. Murphy

2

: to grow too large or too mature for

outgrew his best suit

the need to outgrow the habit of war

—Norman Cousins

Examples of outgrow in a Sentence

Kids outgrow their clothes so quickly.

The plant has outgrown my garden.

Our business is outgrowing its small office building.

She's outgrown most of her toys.

I realized that I had outgrown my old high school friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Times soon outgrew its home, which by then had begun to earn its status as a platform for display. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026

His sons, Dino and Mayce, eventually outgrew the game, but Tomlin’s interest increased. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Owner Ruben Granados Martinez said the restaurant outgrew its old spot on East Independence Boulevard and cited ongoing renovations at a neighboring business that made parking a headache. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Both Walsh brothers also have outgrown their sibling rivalry. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outgrow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

outgrow

verb

out·​grow (ˈ)au̇t-ˈgrō 

outgrew -ˈgrü  ; outgrown -ˈgrōn  ; outgrowing

1

: to grow faster than

2

: to grow too large or too mature for

outgrew their clothes

outgrow playing with dolls