start out
phrasal verb
started out; starting out; starts out
1
: to begin in a specified way
He started out by introducing himself.
She started out at a slow jog.
The day started out hot and humid.
The story started out good, but I didn't like the ending.
She started out wanting to be a doctor but became a midwife instead.
—often + withI started out with $100 but I have only $10 left.
Let's start out with some warm-up exercises.
2
: to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start
What started out as a simple idea has become an expensive and complicated project.
He started out in teaching before becoming a lawyer.
3
: to begin an important period in one's life or career
The couple is just starting out.
She started out on a career in teaching.
4
: to begin a trip
They started out in the early morning.
5
: to have a particular place as a beginning point
The parade starts out at the intersection of First and Main.
Examples of start out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
History of the program and its growth The program started out modestly.
—
Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Nov. 2025
The match started out promisingly for Capistrano Valley Christian (14-22-1) when McKenzie Meserve opened the first set serving three consecutive aces.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
At more than $2,200 for the H2S configuration with the AMS 2 Pro and the laser module, this isn’t an entry-level machine for everyday hobbyists or people starting out.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
Rain, thunderstorms to spread The system starting out in the Southwest will shift east into Thanksgiving week, AccuWeather said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start out
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Nov. 2025
The match started out promisingly for Capistrano Valley Christian (14-22-1) when McKenzie Meserve opened the first set serving three consecutive aces.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
At more than $2,200 for the H2S configuration with the AMS 2 Pro and the laser module, this isn’t an entry-level machine for everyday hobbyists or people starting out.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
Rain, thunderstorms to spread The system starting out in the Southwest will shift east into Thanksgiving week, AccuWeather said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for start out
Cite this Entry
“Start out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/start%20out. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share