setout

noun

set·out | \ ˈset-ˌau̇t

Definition of setout

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : array, display

(2) : arrangement, layout

b : buffet, spread

c : turnout sense 5

2 : party, entertainment

3 : beginning, outset

set out

verb

Definition of set out (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about setout

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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: Noun

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Still, for now, while central bankers in Washington and Frankfurt have been raising interest rates or setting out policy tightening paths, the People’s Bank of China is moving in the other direction. — Mike Bird, WSJ, "Battered Global Investors Find an Unlikely Safe Space: Chinese Bonds," 28 Dec. 2018 Berrios, who has faced criticism throughout his football career because of his undersized 5-foot-9 frame, set out during the draft process to try and prove critics wrong. — Christy Cabrera Chirinos, Sun-Sentinel.com, "UM's Braxton Berrios a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots," 28 Apr. 2018 Don't forget to set out extra crafting supplies, too. — Shelby Deering, Country Living, "5 Party Ideas That Give Back to Your Community," 1 Nov. 2018 Kirilow has to set out into a hostile world to find someone who can take Peristrophe’s place in their community. — Andrew Liptak, The Verge, "10 new sci-fi and fantasy books to check out for the rest of October," 15 Oct. 2018 Sow annuals indoors in spring to set out after frost. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "A Quick Guide to Growing Stunning Black-Eyed Susans and Coneflowers," 29 May 2018 Other provisions address the growing cancer risk from toxins by setting out requirements for cleaning sooty protective clothing and gear. — Mike Hendricks, kansascity, "Firefighters protect us. Who protects them?," 13 July 2018 The air of uncertainty over which way the decision will go following video review adds to the drama of the game - a relatively irrelevant detail in terms of what VAR sets out to achieve, but an entertaining aspect of the system, nevertheless. — SI.com, "Why VAR is a Step in the Right Direction for Football Despite the Continued Scrutiny," 12 July 2018 Most of the soldiers are killed, and the few who survive set out to accomplish the mission on their own. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "Overlord is a gloriously entertaining piece of B-movie schlock," 9 Nov. 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.