setout

1 of 2

noun

set·​out ˈset-ˌau̇t How to pronounce setout (audio)
Synonyms of setoutnext

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
As O’Connell and Piqué set out, with each contributing their own diary-style entries to the book, efforts to elect a pope who would go in a different direction to Francis were thwarted. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 The team set out to do a series of media interviews and push out information dispelling the government’s narrative. Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 The convergence of these gatherings supported by different Western institutions itself evidenced the high tide our seminar set out to examine. Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 After Oscar’s death, Jude, who was in seventh grade then, had received messages from some of his old Californian friends, but, in adolescence, the children had to set out on their own. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for setout

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of setout was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster