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

Like most scientists in this new relatively new field, Leeper didn’t set out to study tiny, broken bits of plastic. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

As a tourist attraction, Medora traces its roots to the 1950s, when a North Dakota businessman named Harold Schafer set out to save what was left of the declining town. —Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026

The notice sets out measures to expand collection networks, support leading recyclers, and introduce monitoring systems that mirror broader EV battery regulatory trends. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026

Then shred the meat and set out a taco bar full of fresh flavors, bright colors, and crunchy textures. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 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