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

Onsite, enjoy fine dining at Aurelia or The Lawn Terrace, visit the Castle Hill lighthouse, or set out on a private boat to town. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

Our intrepid video team set out to find it and reactivate it more than forty years later. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024

That means not only setting out a road map for a durable cease-fire but also identifying ways to assure Ukrainian security, providing incentives to both sides, and laying out a strategy for stabilizing Russia’s relations with the West. —Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024

The police won't help, but Thelma has a P.O. box address as a clue and sets out to get her money back. —Ars Technica, 23 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