setout

noun set·out \ ˈset-ˌau̇t \

Definition of setout

1 a (1) : array, display

(2) : arrangement, layout

b : buffet, spread

c : turnout 5

2 : party, entertainment

3 : beginning, outset

Examples of setout in a Sentence

the setout of the stations at the polling place was a little confusing

First Known Use of setout

circa 1807

setout Synonyms

Synonyms

arrangement, configuration, conformation, format, formation, layout, setup;

Related Words

design, plan, scheme;

composition, constitution, getup, makeup;

build, construction, structure;

set out

verb

Definition of set 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

See set out defined for kids

Examples of set out in a Sentence

in his inaugural address, the president set out his vision for the nation over the next four years

Recent Examples of set out from the Web

By contrast, the approach of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is to set out general guidelines requiring features like airbags and antilock brakes and then ask automakers to self-certify their compliance.

— timothy b. lee, Ars Technica, "Regulators are eager for driverless cars—and I might lose a bet," 9 Nov. 2017
After having spent so much time around Ukrainian oligarchs, after having earned their trust, Manafort set out to join their ranks.

— franklin foer, The Atlantic, "A Rebuke to Kleptocracy," 31 Oct. 2017
Her obvious comedic prowess notwithstanding, Gasteyer initially set out to make a mark in an entirely different aspect of the entertainment industry.

— rob ledonne, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Ana Gasteyer is still having a ball onstage," 31 Oct. 2017
Amazon, based in Seattle, has set out a few prerequisites for bidders: The metro population should be more than 1 million, the airport should have direct flights to key US and international cities, and the mass transit system should be top-notch.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "Amazon’s big competition could deliver for many cities," 21 Oct. 2017
The club have clearly pointed to key areas that need strengthening and set out to fix those areas.

— SI.com, "FanView: Marco Silva Deserves All the Credit for Overachieving Watford's Incredible Start," 20 Oct. 2017
In the wake of offensive coordinator Ken Zampese being fired and rumors of a short leash for quarterback Andy Dalton swirling around the Bengals, AJ McCarron set out to deliver a clear message.

— paul dehner jr., Cincinnati.com, "AJ McCarron: 'Andy is our QB, stop making it into something else'," 18 Sep. 2017
The first lecture on Sept. 21 will feature an overview of food waste and will set out the connection between food waste, economics, the environment, and social issues.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 18 Sep. 2017
As guests arrive, set out any juices for the champagne bar, water, and other wines or liquors; then bring out the foods.

— elle decor staff, ELLE Decor, "Countdown To A Picture-Perfect New Year's Eve Buffet," 16 Dec. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'set out.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.