outfit

American  

[out-fit] / ˈaʊtˌfɪt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

outfits, present (3rd person singular) outfitted, past participle, past outfitting present participle

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)

outfits, present (3rd person singular) outfitted, past participle, past outfitting present participle

1. to furnish oneself with an outfit.

outfit British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Usage

What does outfit mean? Outfit commonly means a set of clothes, especially when they have been designed or carefully selected to be worn together. Outfit can also be used as a term for a company, organization, or group that works closely together. As a verb, it means to provide with the proper equipment. Example: Oh, I just love your outfit—I would have never thought to mix a flower pattern with a leopard print.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preoutfit
  verb (used with object)
• reoutfit
  verb (used with object)
• outfitter
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has outfitted
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have outfitted
  perfect
• is outfitting
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am outfitting
  progressive 1st person singular
• outfitting
  participle
• outfits
  singular 3rd person
• have been outfitting
  perfect progressive
• has been outfitting
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are outfitting
  progressive

Past

• had outfitted
  perfect
• had been outfitting
  perfect progressive
• outfitted
  simple
• were outfitting
  progressive plural
• outfitted
  participle
• was outfitting
  progressive singular

Future

• will outfit
  simple
• will have outfitted
  perfect
• will have been outfitting
  perfect progressive
• will be outfitting
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of outfit

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

Explanation

You can use the noun outfit to mean clothes that go together, like a shirt and pants that you always wear to job interviews. You might have spent hours choosing your first-day-of-school outfit. An outfit is often selected for a special occasion, like a graduation outfit, an outfit for your cousin's party, or your rodeo outfit. An outfit is also a kit or set of tools that serve a specific purpose, and as a verb it means "provide with" or "equip." A girl scout leader, for example, will outfit her troops with water and sunblock for a long hike on a sunny summer day.

Example Sentences

Outfit changes and groomsman photo-ops are de rigueur for some, while others express their newly empowered groom voices through the deployment of personal themes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The first Outfit Repeater L.A. event was a success, drawing a crowd of fashion enthusiasts and women who wanted to sell their beloved wardrobes directly to buyers, bypassing the intermediary of a thrift store.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Since then, Outfit Repeater L.A. has garnered a reputation as the Eastside’s hippest trading post for “it” girls, creatives and fashion trendsetters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Outfit details: Doc Martens shoes, shorts from Mario’s in San Diego, Golf Wang button-up, thrifted cardigan, homemade hat.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

The Outfit contains everything necessary for making prints—together with other articles to be used in various ways.

From How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus Containing Complete Directions for Making All Kinds of Simple Apparatus for the Study of Elementary Electricity by St. John, Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew)