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
Researchers at the University of Oxford recently set out to read some of Tennyson’s indecipherable scribbles using advanced imaging techniques. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 This review will set out the scale of public spending, which totals around £1.27 trillion. London Business School, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 That’s why Patil, along with three other Charlotte-area students – Claire Chen, Jade Ma and Meadow Palmer, set out to teach elementary schoolers at Charles H. Parker how to grow their own produce. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025 Crusoe Energy/Andrew Schmitt Seven years ago, the founders of Crusoe Energy set out to solve a dirty problem. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 25 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 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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