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 of setout

Noun

• layout
• formation
• format

Verb

• describe
• portray
• depict

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

The work is part of a major international project in which marine biologists set out to document life on the largely uncharted deep-sea floor of the Pacific Ocean. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025

When Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, and I set out to make this film, our hope was to spark conversation and maybe even open a few hearts. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2025

So-hae, now going by Mo Eun, sets out to punish Se-hun and his parents. —Kayti Burt, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

The pair, Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez, tracked Sadie using the AirTag on her collar and set out to the coast to find her, officials said. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for setout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

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