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

The Émilie Magdelaine team set out to create a comfortable living space, designed like a small hotel suite, that would also serve as a showcase for the art and furniture that would be displayed there. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

The 13 keys, as set out by the historian in a 2012 article for the Social Education journal, are these: Read more Kamala Harris Who Will Win the US Election? —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Anadolu | Getty Images LONDON — British tech bosses and venture capitalists are questioning whether the country can deliver on its bid to become a global artificial intelligence hub after the government set out plans to increase taxes on businesses. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024

Thus, a recent study set out to investigate the horizontal and vertical movements of megamouth sharks in the northwest Pacific, focusing on waters off the coast of Taiwan. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 31 Oct. 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