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)

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 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

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

Etymology

Origin of outfit

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

Example Sentences

Before he made an NBA rookie-record 268 3-pointers, the now-6-foot-6 Knueppel joined a slightly less glamorous outfit known as the Closed Gym League.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Her Pizza Hut outfit and a prop pizza box were folded neatly in the back seat.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

"Me and my daughter, we made ours last night," says Hilary Lindgren, 54, wearing an eye-catching head-to-toe outfit, with a carrot cake in hand.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

It is owned by Kape Technologies, which is a British-Israeli digital security outfit that purchased ExpressVPN in 2021.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Then Lady Constance marched briskly out of the parlor, calling loudly for Margaret so that she might plan her outfit for the opening of Pirates on Holiday.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood