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

set out; setting out; sets out

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

Keep scrolling for more

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

My goal is to set out good expectations and meet them or exceed them so things turn out right for them. — Michael Walsh, courant.com, "West Hartford Man Named Greater Hartford Realtor Of The Year," 16 Sep. 2019 The troops are forced to set out—their hostage in tow—through the jungle to find a new base, and the pressure of the situation bears down on their sense of collectivism. — N.e.g., The Economist, "“Monos” paints a surreal and disturbing portrait of child guerrillas," 16 Sep. 2019 But that may soon change, as archaeologists, accompanied by Science, set out into the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve to find the lost city. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: ‘Extreme male brain’ does not cause autism, a lost Maya city, and disappearing sharks," 6 Sep. 2019 Prorogation also gives the government an opportunity to set out its new agenda for the coming session, which is announced by the Queen in a speech to lawmakers amid great pomp and ceremony. — Billy Perrigo, Time, "U.K. Government Announces Plans to Suspend Parliament Before Brexit. Here's What That Means," 28 Aug. 2019 Nicole Peterson and either Noa Miller (transfer from Wofford) or Callie Jones are projected to set out of a 6-2 attack. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "ASU volleyball opens season with 11 consecutive road matches," 28 Aug. 2019 Photos and videos showed dozens of volunteers showing up to the area to help and many boaters preparing to set out on the water. — Char Adams, PEOPLE.com, "Massive Search Underway for Firefighters Who Vanished During Boat Trip: 'We're Gonna Find Them'," 20 Aug. 2019 Even Nazi Germany’s war aims never seriously set out to control the entire globe. — Daniel Luban, The New Republic, "The Man Behind National Conservatism," 26 July 2019 To set out to do an entirely improvised film or TV show is a rare skill set. — Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "Marc Maron interview: On Lou Malnati’s, ‘Sword of Trust’ and ‘the trickiest part of acting’," 17 July 2019

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.