set out; setting out; sets out
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
S. F. Mason
: 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
John Hopewell, Variety, 16 May 2026
Her fable depicts twin sisters on a revenge road trip, setting out to right the wrongs of their early childhood at the behest of their estranged mother, finding some catharsis along the way.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
The world’s oldest human rights organization objected to the framing of a briefing ahead of King Charles III’s speech setting out the government’s priorities for the year on Wednesday.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
In the new crime drama, Gisela plays Etta Tiger Jonze, a twentysomething who witnesses her family get murdered by one of the biggest drug cartels in Miami and sets out to avenge their deaths.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setout
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Sorogoyen and Peña don’t set out to make films about subjects.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 16 May 2026
Her fable depicts twin sisters on a revenge road trip, setting out to right the wrongs of their early childhood at the behest of their estranged mother, finding some catharsis along the way.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
The world’s oldest human rights organization objected to the framing of a briefing ahead of King Charles III’s speech setting out the government’s priorities for the year on Wednesday.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
In the new crime drama, Gisela plays Etta Tiger Jonze, a twentysomething who witnesses her family get murdered by one of the biggest drug cartels in Miami and sets out to avenge their deaths.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for setout
Cite this Entry
“Setout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setout. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
