start out
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
For example, what started out as a single role responsible for doing the strategizing, executing and analyzing may become three separate roles.
—
Zak Ali, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 June 2026
This project typically starts out with enthusiasm and motivation but often ends with a grumpy mood and a sore back.
—Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
No other journalism school in the country produced a daily community paper, and many famous media figures had started out as Missourian reporters, including Seymour Topping, who was the managing editor of the Times in the late seventies and early eighties.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
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Zak Ali, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 June 2026
This project typically starts out with enthusiasm and motivation but often ends with a grumpy mood and a sore back.
—Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
No other journalism school in the country produced a daily community paper, and many famous media figures had started out as Missourian reporters, including Seymour Topping, who was the managing editor of the Times in the late seventies and early eighties.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
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 2 Jun. 2026.
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