Outgoing describes someone who is naturally friendly, sociable, and comfortable talking to others. An outgoing person walks into a room full of strangers and starts conversations easily, while a shy person might hang back nervously. At a new school, an outgoing student introduces themselves to classmates right away, asks questions, and joins conversations without worrying too much about what others think.

Being outgoing doesn't mean being loud or the center of attention. It means you enjoy connecting with people and find social situations energizing rather than draining. Some outgoing people are quiet but warm, while others are more talkative and expressive. The opposite of outgoing is introverted or reserved: describing people who prefer smaller groups and need quiet time to recharge.

The word can also mean leaving or departing, like an outgoing train heading away from the station, or an outgoing president who's finishing their term in office. When you send outgoing mail, you're sending letters out rather than receiving them.