set out; setting out; sets out
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
S. F. Mason
: 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
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Roofman is simply too odd a bird, a movie that sets out to be a romp but can’t bring itself to smooth over the rougher aspects of its material, especially in terms of its main character’s addiction to showing off with gifts or flashes of cash.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Malaviya set out on his expedition on his 17th birthday in July 2023.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
He was held prisoner in the Philippines by Japan until 1944, when the Japanese military set out to transport thousands of POWs to the Japanese mainland while the war in the Pacific was ongoing, the release said.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for setout
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Verb
This year is particularly important as countries are supposed to set out their goals for bringing down emissions over the next decade.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Roofman is simply too odd a bird, a movie that sets out to be a romp but can’t bring itself to smooth over the rougher aspects of its material, especially in terms of its main character’s addiction to showing off with gifts or flashes of cash.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Malaviya set out on his expedition on his 17th birthday in July 2023.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
He was held prisoner in the Philippines by Japan until 1944, when the Japanese military set out to transport thousands of POWs to the Japanese mainland while the war in the Pacific was ongoing, the release said.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for setout
Cite this Entry
“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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