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
After receiving his first guitar in 1959, the Grammy winner — who turns 80 on Jan. 10, 2025 — set out on a path to rock superstardom, joining various groups as well as achieving a remarkable solo career. Kate Hogan, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025 There's also Little Saints, founded as a passion project by a woman who set out to replicate cocktail classics with spirits made from mushroom ingredients. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025 The judge said the 1972 law should not cover any more than what it was set out to protect since Congress created it, calling it an attempt to bypass the legislative process. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 For instance, The Brand Playbook for Financing Decarbonization by the Apparel Impact Institute sets out twelve different financial approaches brands can take to support their producers’ decarbonization efforts. Lewis Perkins, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near setout

Cite this Entry

“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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