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

There, researchers set out to determine how the hilt and blade were joined, as well as the composition of the materials embedded in the grooves of the pommel and pommel plate. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026

At Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer in 32 countries, leaders recognized that tension early and set out to adopt AI in a way that wouldn’t put their culture at risk. —Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026

With fewer people using dating apps, more singles are setting out to meet other single people in real life. —Leondra Head, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026

Rai set out to create a backyard oasis that pays homage to Southern California’s indoor-outdoor culture. —Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 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