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

The 1986 drama centers around a friend group of four boys who set out on an adventure in search of a dead body. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025

Based on a Stephen King novella, Stand By Me stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell as four friends who set out to find the body of a boy who was hit by a train. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

Reiner’s 1986 adaptation of Stephen King’s novella The Body follows four boys who set out on a journey to find the dead body of a missing boy. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025

In addition to the soups and accouterments like bread, set out some light bites, like a cheese or charcuterie board, and encourage guests to snack upon arrival. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

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