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 + with

I 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

Gaylor started out her career as an investment banker in the technology sector for 18 years at companies including Morgan Stanley. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026

The Timberwolves started out cold, making just two of their first 12 shots and missing seven of their first eight 3-pointers. —CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

The Paley Center for Media’s annual PaleyFest LA started out in its early run with a hefty slate of classic TV reunions before turning its focus in recent years to mostly current shows. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026

The new year is starting out on a high note for potential homebuyers. —Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for start out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout