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

Marriott acquired the brand in 2016 with its Starwood acquisition and set out to make the W cool again a few years later. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

While his mom draped the table with a plastic sheet and set out a cake with thick frosting, Josh Rodriguez dribbled a basketball down the driveway, tossed it toward the hoop and listened. Swoosh. Swoosh. —Lauren Peace, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

While many people are already at their destinations, many others are preparing to set out for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day plans, and could face adverse weather. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

The three-judge panel on Thursday found the circuit court judge had set out a detailed record showing Vos and Blazel had failed to comply with a court order to turn over all records requested by American Oversight. —Daniel Bice, Journal Sentinel, 27 Dec. 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