outfit

[ out-fit ]

noun

1. an assemblage of articles that equip a person for a particular task, role, trade, etc.:

   an explorer's outfit.

   Synonyms: kit

2. a set of usually matching or harmonious garments and accessories worn together; coordinated costume; ensemble:

   a new spring outfit.

3. a set of articles for any purpose:

   a cooking outfit.

   Synonyms: kit

4. a group associated in an undertaking requiring close cooperation, as a military unit.
5. a business firm engaged in a particular form of commercial enterprise:

   a construction outfit.

6. any company, party, or set.
7. the act of fitting out or equipping for any purpose, as for a voyage, journey, or expedition.
8. mental, physical, or moral equipment.

verb (used with object)

, out·fit·ted, out·fit·ting.

1. to furnish with an outfit, equipment, etc.; fit out; equip:

   to outfit an expedition to the South Pole.

   Synonyms: rig, supply, appoint

2. Nautical. to finish equipping (a vessel) at a dock.

verb (used without object)

, out·fit·ted, out·fit·ting.

1. to furnish oneself with an outfit.

outfit

/ ˈaʊtˌfɪt /

noun

1. a set of articles or equipment for a particular task, occupation, etc
2. a set of clothes, esp a carefully selected one
3. informal.
   any group or association regarded as a cohesive unit, such as a military company, business house, etc
4. the act of fitting out
5. (formerly) the annual shipment of trading goods and supplies sent by a fur company to its trading posts

verb

1. to furnish or be furnished with an outfit, equipment, etc

Other Words From

• outfitter noun
• pre·outfit verb (used with object) preoutfitted preoutfitting
• re·outfit verb (used with object) reoutfitted reoutfitting

Word History and Origins

Origin of outfit¹

First recorded in 1755–65; out- + fit ¹

Example Sentences

They let us get ahead of the outfit, then the rest of the guys came in.

From The Daily Beast

This would outfit less than one tenth of police officers nationwide but gets the idea circulating.

From The Daily Beast

Style-wise, there has perhaps been just one outfit that could be described as a miss since Kate returned to active service.

From The Daily Beast

Regrow limbs, cure cancer, or rock a killer outfit à la Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element.

From The Daily Beast

Asked if he knew the names of the newborn quadruplets, Merritt recalled two: gi—a karate outfit—and po—a chamber pot.

From The Daily Beast

The tobacco-box, during the reign of Elizabeth, was no unimportant part of a dandy's outfit; sometimes a pouch or bag was used.

From Project Gutenberg

Naw, I sold my outfit to a goggle-eyed pilgrim that has an idea buffalo hides is prime all summer.

From Project Gutenberg

Curt as is the cable it has yet scope to show up a little more of our great K.'s outfit.

From Project Gutenberg

"This is the most ungrateful outfit of greasers I ever met up with," cried Clip, hurrying toward the second man.

From Project Gutenberg

She keeps me on ridiculously low rations, and if I had not brought my own outfit I don't think she would have sold me one.

From Project Gutenberg