setout

1 of 2

noun

set·​out ˈset-ˌau̇t How to pronounce setout (audio)

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 fullS. 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

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
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Verb
Nearly a century later, a team of physicists set out to prove that gravitational waves could, indeed, be detected. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Bruce and the other teams set out for the San Bernardino Mountains in mid-August, transporting the frogs in coolers for the journey. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025 The fact that any remaining mutual admiration is fueled by mutual animosity is thus introduced right up front, and the movie wastes zero time setting out the rules of engagement for what will soon become take-no-prisoners warfare between the Roses. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2025 The means of this control had been largely set out in the preceding decades. Literary Hub august 27, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for setout

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of setout was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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
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