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
Reuters, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
In December, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) voted 16-1 to approve the 2025 Regional Plan, which sets out the infrastructure projects planned for the next 25 years across San Diego County.
—Chris Roberts, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The film specifically hones in on a 2021 expedition involving Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri Sigurjónsson, as well as the Pakistani father-son team of Ali and Sajid Sadpara, who set out to be the first to summit the world’s second-highest mountain, K2.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Following her mother’s sudden death, Riley gathered the tapes Lisa Marie had recorded and set out to fulfill her mother’s wish to finish the book.
—Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for setout
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Verb
The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding and a joint development agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and the Saudi Water Transmission Company, setting out a roadmap for cooperation in the water sector.
—Reuters, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
In December, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) voted 16-1 to approve the 2025 Regional Plan, which sets out the infrastructure projects planned for the next 25 years across San Diego County.
—Chris Roberts, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
The film specifically hones in on a 2021 expedition involving Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri Sigurjónsson, as well as the Pakistani father-son team of Ali and Sajid Sadpara, who set out to be the first to summit the world’s second-highest mountain, K2.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
Following her mother’s sudden death, Riley gathered the tapes Lisa Marie had recorded and set out to fulfill her mother’s wish to finish the book.
—Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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