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

Noun

• arrangement
• configuration
• conformation
• format
• formation
• layout
• setup

Verb

• delineate
• depict
• describe
• draw
• image
• limn
• paint
• picture
• portray
• render
• sketch

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

In 2006, at the end of his first term on the court, the new chief set out his vision in a commencement address at Georgetown University Law Center. —Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 12 July 2024

Transportation Autonomous vehicles House Bill 7 allows autonomous (driverless) vehicles to operate on Kentucky roads and sets out the rules around autonomous vehicle operation. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 12 July 2024

Demi Moore plays a woman who sets out on a dangerous path for youth and beauty in The Substance. —Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024

During the event, Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch set out Gracie Mansion's trash in the first-ever official NYC bin, symbolizing the city's move to eliminate ubiquitous black trash bags from its streets. —Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024

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

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