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)

outfitted, outfitting 

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)

outfitted, outfitting 

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 Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of outfit¹

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

Example Sentences

A family member sent me an image of a baby dressed in an elf outfit.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Few have done more to raise the profile of the city in recent years than Lycett, whose pride for his home city shines as bright as his exuberant outfits.

Read more on BBC

Keaton’s fabulous feathery silver outfits, her ability to utter lines like, “it’s pure keen,” with a straight face, and her substantial use of the “orgasmatron” made the role an instant classic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Asked by The Wall Street Journal in 2022 if she had a secret to putting together her signature, menswear-inspired outfits, Keaton said, “Oh, God, no.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I wanted to do better, but it's a long road to the top," said Gassim, who is sponsored by a French Web TV outfit, Solary.

Read more on Barron's

When To Use

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.