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

Noun

• arrangement
• configuration
• conformation
• format
• formation
• layout
• setup

Verb

• delineate
• depict
• describe
• draw
• image
• limn
• paint
• picture
• portray
• render
• sketch

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

Now, a special team of detectives sets out to solve horrific murders, after two victims are found in the otherwise peaceful German countryside. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024

Of course, doctors and nurses do not deliberately set out to hurt patients—far from it. —TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

New merchandise gets set out every day, so come early and often, and check BookstockMI.org for details about special discounts. —Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2024

Rolling Stones set to tour together The singer will no doubt have the moves on tour with the Rolling Stones, who are setting out on their latest stint on the road later this month, six decades after their first tour. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Those rules relax initial tailpipe limits proposed last year but get close to the same strict standards set out by the EPA for model year 2032. —Matthew Daly, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2024

The Potential Link Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss Abou-Khalil said the researchers set out to assess a potential solution to obesity that would align with the growing interest in non-pharmaceuticals. —Sarah Garone, Health, 29 Mar. 2024

Successful platform adopters set out with three goals in mind: Create a completely new customer experience. —Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Mirador set out to raise $200 million for its Series A, but an influx of interest led the company to double that figure in its inaugural fundraise, tapping a syndicate that includes Arch Venture Partners, Orbimed, and Fairmount. —Damian Garde, STAT, 21 Mar. 2024

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

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