setout

1 of 2

noun

set·​out ˈset-ˌau̇t How to pronounce setout (audio)

set out

2 of 2

verb

set out; setting out; sets out

transitive verb

1
a
: to arrange and present graphically or systematically
b
: to mark out (something, such as a design) : lay out the plan of
2
: to state, describe, or recite at length
distributed copies of a pamphlet setting out his ideas in fullS. F. Mason
3
: to begin with a definite purpose : intend, undertake

intransitive verb

: to start out on a course, a journey, or a career
set out across the country

Examples of setout in a Sentence

Noun the setout of the stations at the polling place was a little confusing Verb in his inaugural address, the president set out his vision for the nation over the next four years
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
With his hometown ravaged by the opioid epidemic, plaintiff attorney Paul Farrell Jr. sets out to take on giant pharmaceutical companies to recover enough money to make a lasting impact for the area. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 The drug has been in short supply since the end of 2022 and Diamond set out to learn why. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 13 Mar. 2024 So the team set out to give the rear passenger windows full-drop glass. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024 Before setting out, hikers must purchase a California Fish and Wildlife land pass, which costs $5.66 per person for the day. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 The world’s car graveyard Mr. Otunga never set out to be a clean energy pioneer, or even to drive a motorcycle for a living at all. Lenny Rashid Ruvaga, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2024 Jenn Harris sets out to find L.A.’s best Northern Chinese and Taiwanese beef rolls. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 How the land can be sold is set out by the Arizona Constitution and state law. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Under the offer of judgment set out by the MSP, attorneys in the case will receive $300,000. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'setout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of setout was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near setout

Cite this Entry

“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

set out

verb
1
: to begin with a definite purpose : undertake
deliberately set out to win
2
: to start out on a course, a journey, or a career
set out to be a doctor
set out for Spain
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