set out; setting out; sets out
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
S. F. Mason
: 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
Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
Decked out in matching Route 66 button-up shirts that featured a map of the iconic road, the married couple set out on a road trip to celebrate the centennial.
—Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which claimed some 300,000 lives, Chardy set out to confirm first-hand whether such a high toll was possible in response to an editor’s skeptical questions, said Jacqueline Charles, the Herald’s longtime Haiti and Caribbean correspondent.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
With the help of her talking dog and an adorable lemon named Squirt, Edith sets out to find the last remaining fairy who might be able to break the spell.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setout
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Verb
Volunteers set out in small boats to make sure that the whale didn’t get stuck again.
—Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
Decked out in matching Route 66 button-up shirts that featured a map of the iconic road, the married couple set out on a road trip to celebrate the centennial.
—Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which claimed some 300,000 lives, Chardy set out to confirm first-hand whether such a high toll was possible in response to an editor’s skeptical questions, said Jacqueline Charles, the Herald’s longtime Haiti and Caribbean correspondent.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
With the help of her talking dog and an adorable lemon named Squirt, Edith sets out to find the last remaining fairy who might be able to break the spell.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setout
Cite this Entry
“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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