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

I’d say this was the centerpiece of the outfit, but no; not even.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Searching on sites like AllBorrow and Borrow the Bazaar, the standard price to rent one outfit for eight days is between $120 and $200.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The next order of business was his outfit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

How might Trump even outfit a high-status woman in his orbit?

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

At the moment, however, Penelope’s only wish was to wrestle herself out of that absurd outfit and into her own plain flannel nightdress before nodding off.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood