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

Maria Fuertes, 43, and her daughter had prowled the area for more than seven hours, since 9 a.m., shopping for outfits for a December wedding.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Edward, in his all-black leather outfit with his wild hair, is a visual culture shock, especially in comparison to the pastel world of the burbs he moves into.

Read more on Salon

She reportedly dresses in expensive outfits, and arrives at restaurants with a high-resolution camera and lighting equipment, earning her the nickname, the "dine-and-dash diva".

Read more on BBC

Arsenal beat the Madrid outfit in both legs of last season's quarter-finals to begin the current run of 10 Premier League wins from the last 11 meetings.

Read more on BBC

To afford gifts, they are planning to cut back on decorations, new outfits, and dining out.

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.