start out
Britishverb
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to set out on a journey
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to take the first steps, as in life, one's career, etc
he started out as a salesman
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to take the first actions in an activity in a particular way or specified aim
they started out wanting a house, but eventually bought a flat
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tarlov didn’t start out seeking a career as a TV personality, although her family background likely helped her understand media and communication.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
Just because you start out being a size 6, doesn't mean you'll remain a size 6.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
Didn’t you start out saying that team owners want a salary cap to level the playing field?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
Other communication signals may start out serving entirely different purposes, such as helping animals care for offspring or resolve conflicts.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 20, 2026
“We usually start out with the six Ws,” Frank explained.
From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
