Sign-out vs. Sign Out
“Sign-out” is documented by Collins as a hyphenated noun in American English, while “sign out” is the two-word phrasal verb used for leaving a place or account and in related sign-out actions.
Use “sign-out” as the hyphenated noun for an act, instance, or time of signing out in the Collins American-English entry. Use “sign out” as the phrasal verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| an act, instance, time, approval, or ending functioning as a noun | sign-out | Use “sign-out” for the documented noun use. |
| the action functioning as a verb | sign out | Use the two-word phrasal verb “sign out.” |
| a context where another documented noun spelling is explicitly established | follow the documented variant where applicable | The reviewed Collins American-English entry documents the hyphenated noun. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the expression functioning as a verb?
If yes: Use “sign out.”
If no: Use “sign-out” for the documented noun use.
Caveat: The reviewed Collins American-English entry documents the hyphenated noun.
Examples
Please sign out before entering the secure area.
“sign out” functions as a phrasal verb.
The sign-out took less than a minute.
“sign-out” functions as a noun.
They recorded the sign-out time in the log.
The hyphenated form functions as a noun modifier in this context.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the documented noun or modifier form when naming a thing, result, person, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced verb form is usually the relevant choice.
Variant Boundary
Collins records the hyphenated noun “sign-out” in American English, while Cambridge records “sign out” as the phrasal verb; interface terminology may still be governed by house style.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- sign out — definition and meaning (opens in a new tab)Collins English Dictionary · Hyphenated sign-out noun in American English and sign out verb phrase
- sign out — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Two-word phrasal verb sign out for leaving a place, website, or recording borrowed items