To Read Out (transitive, idiomatic) To read something and say the words to inform other people. Coordinate term: read off (transitive, idiomatic, US) (of a device) To read some data and inform the person using the device; (of the user) to read some data from the device to inform oneself. Coordinate term: read off (transitive, law) To interpret a part of a law so that it is not struck down but is rendered of no effect or applicability. Coordinate term: count out Usage notes The word order with the verb parts and the object can be either read something out or read out something.