out-of-pocket \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology:out of pocket 1.: consisting of or requiring an actual cash outlay < out-of-pocket expenses > < out-of-pocket costs > 2.: directly attributable to the movement of a particular article of traffic < the out-of-pocket cost to the railroad of carrying this freight >