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

Just 16 years earlier, the U.S. under Johnson had set out to prevent nations from making unilateral claims to the high seas. —Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025

So Penner and the team’s ownership group set out to examine every aspect of how the Broncos handled player health and wellness. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Ida sets out on a quest to find her own physical partner. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025

The coming months are expected to present even more challenges as the party starts to rebuild with a new party chair who will set out to take a different approach than the one used in the past few election cycles. —Amie Parnes, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025

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