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 Goldman Sachs 10-year global outlook, released on Wednesday, sets out the investment bank’s expectations leading up to 2035. —Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 16 Nov. 2025

Knowing firsthand the toll such disasters take on lives, nature, and futures, the teen set out to find a solution. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

So, following a trip to Julie's cheerleading competition in Stockton, the three set out for the renowned national park. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025

And the mission that the pair, who are partners in business and life, set out for themselves is to create jewelry that can be worn every day, no matter how bold the volumes. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 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