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 long after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Kevin Chalker set out to become a spy. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Leaving that interview, Pierson set out to prove Muller committed these crimes — starting with the unreported home invasion. —Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

Without money but with endless determination, Amanda set out to find justice and get her car back. —Moira MacDonald, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

But Nelson writes that Watson left her violent husband and set out on her own, acquiring her cattle by legitimate means, not by stealing them. —Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 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