pan out

verb

panned out; panning out; pans out

intransitive verb

: to happen, end, or develop in a particular way : turn out
I'm really enjoying how this is all panning out now and it is so exciting and intriguing to watch and find out what happens next …Gary Neville
especially : succeed
… the signs revealed that the experiment wasn't panning outRonald Reagan
She [Dixie Hollins] noted that learning about arts and entertainment fills her creative side and works as a great plan B if her goal of working in the medical field doesn't pan out. Karin Davis-Thompson

Examples of pan out in a Sentence

the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out the investment scheme didn't quite pan out
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.
While filming the show, Alexander’s love life was panning out quite differently. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Moore hasn’t panned out to this point in his career largely because he’s struggled to stay on the field. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2025 That didn’t pan out, and The Wild Robot ultimately lost even the Best Animated Feature to another movie about a ragtag group of animal friends. Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Mar. 2025 The intrigue: Blossoms could come sooner, if forecasts for above-average temperatures pan out for the rest of March, Vince Marrocco, director of horticulture at Morris Arboretum and Gardens, tells Axios. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pan out

Word History

Etymology

pan entry 2

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pan out was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pan out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pan%20out. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pan out

verb
: turn out sense 5
especially : succeed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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