setout

1 of 2

noun

set·​out ˈset-ˌau̇t 

1

a(1)

: array, display

(2)

: arrangement, layout

b

: buffet, spread

c

: turnout sense 5

2

: party, entertainment

3

: beginning, outset

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 full …

—S. 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

Synonyms of setout

Noun

• layout
• formation
• format

Verb

• describe
• portray
• depict

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

Not a bright idea For his study, Hainaut, who has worked as an astronomer for ESO for over 30 years, set out to simulate the locations, motion, and brightness of all existing and planned satellite constellations. — Chris Young july 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026

Espaillat, who grew up in the Dominican Republic, set out to introduce Charlotte diners to Latin Street food such as empanadas, arepas and pupusas — dishes that were largely unfamiliar here more than a decade ago. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

The federal verification process was not the problem the legislature set out to solve. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Roberto De Zerbi set out his criteria for a Tottenham Hotspur player early in his tenure. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 26 July 2026

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

Rhymes for setout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

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