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

Kitchen Lux Ribbed Drinking Glasses, Set of 6 These ribbed glasses are made to handle daily use while still looking nice enough to set out when guests come over. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

In 2020, Barbie set out to answer questions on the benefits of doll play by embarking on a landmark study with researchers at Cardiff University. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 Jan. 2026

Breaking the laws of physics Hassani, who teaches in Cornell University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Laura Wu, a PhD student, both co-authors of the study, set out to examine how metals behave under extreme, ultra-fast deformation. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

The scientists set out to investigate a debilitating and lethal parasite that’s been plaguing monarchs. —Drew Kann, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 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