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

At the Mammoth site, Karapetrova also set out a collector to catch plastic settling out of the air on dry days from April to July. — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Seeing the effect that Taylor’s beauty had on others, Sothern set out to introduce her to people in the film industry. — Estrella Albendea Ruiz, Vanity Fair, 7 Nov. 2026

The timetable sets out when 3M must fund the settlement, but does not specify when individual claimants will receive their money. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Wild Horse Nine stars John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents who set out to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup to confront their dark pasts. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

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