setout

noun set·out \ ˈset-ˌau̇t \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: setout in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of setout from the Web

And yeah, there’s some seriousness here (Lou’s would-be squeeze has apparently been kidnapped by an abusive ex), but the overall tone is light and playful, especially as Lou and his friend setout to become detectives.

— will nevin, OregonLive.com, "WW #98: A dark comic comfort in unsure political times," 17 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of setout

circa 1807

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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

With the aid of a sophisticated device, called the High Efficiency Trails Accessiblity Process, a team of volunteers has set out to collect information that matters to someone in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or walking with the aid of a cane.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "The Last Green Valley To Provide Trail Information For Mobility Impaired," 12 June 2018
And on the Southwest Side, Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, has set out on a precinct-by-precinct effort to collect signatures from residents to outlaw online rentals, after some homeowners complained about unruly behavior from guests.

— john byrne, chicagotribune.com, "Emanuel calls for new fee on Airbnb rentals," 12 June 2018
One of the first people to pull off this feat, a photographer from Philadelphia named William Nicholson Jennings, explicitly set out to prove the inaccuracy of the conventional lightning zigzag.

— steph yin, New York Times, "Do You Know What Lightning Really Looks Like?," 11 June 2018
The four friends have set out to create a spirited, independent company that people will love to work for and be proud of.

— jillian ruffo, PEOPLE.com, "Lena Dunham Speaks Out About Kate Spade's Death After Wearing Her Designs: 'Thank You, Kate'," 5 June 2018
Before he was assassinated 50 years ago, RFK had set out to end division in the U.S.

— steve brodner, Los Angeles Magazine, "Why Bobby Kennedy’s Run for President Is Still an Inspiration," 4 June 2018
Since then, scores of intrepid climbers and expedition groups from all over the world have set out to meet their fate on Everest.

— National Geographic, "From the Photo Archive: 65 Years of Epic Everest Climbs," 31 May 2018
Tim Butler and Canton Stafford, who were camping at Lake Texoma near McBride, had set out several rods in hopes of catching some catfish overnight.

— michelle gant, Fox News, "Fishermen hoping to catch catfish reel in massive alligator gar, instead," 31 May 2018
Some of the participants had set out blankets and speakers, even incense.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Barbecuers take back Oakland’s communal backyard at Lake Merritt," 20 May 2018

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.