1. Eager or determined to achieve or obtain something. You can tell the young legal aide is out for a promotion, judging by the amount of time and energy he keeps putting into each case. The angry mob was out for blood, and they were all too happy to turn their wrath on the first suspect the police apprehended.

2. Absent from one's usual location in order to do or get something. Sorry, Mrs. Murphy is out for lunch. Can I take a message? Let's go out for dinner tonight. I really don't feel like cooking.