outfit

[ out-fit ]
/ ˈaʊtˌfɪt /

noun

verb (used with object), out·fit·ted, out·fit·ting.

to furnish with an outfit, equipment, etc.; fit out; equip: to outfit an expedition to the South Pole.
Nautical. to finish equipping (a vessel) at a dock.

verb (used without object), out·fit·ted, out·fit·ting.

to furnish oneself with an outfit.

Origin of outfit

First recorded in 1755–65; out- + fit1

OTHER WORDS FROM outfit

out·fit·ter, noun pre·out·fit, verb (used with object), pre·out·fit·ted, pre·out·fit·ting. re·out·fit, verb (used with object), re·out·fit·ted, re·out·fit·ting.

VOCAB BUILDER

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.

Where does outfit come from?

The first records of outfit come from the mid-1700s. Its earliest uses relate to stocking ships with the proper equipment and supplies.

From there, it developed a sense referring to the things needed for an expedition. It’s rarely used this way today, but when used as a verb, outfit means “to equip” and it often refers to providing someone with the right gear, especially for a specialized purpose. Someone who does this is called an outfitter, and this term often refers to stores that sell hunting and outdoor equipment.

A group going on an expedition can also be called an outfit. This sense of the word is often used to refer to businesses in a particular industry, as in trucking outfit. It’s also applied to military units.

But the most common meaning of outfit refers collectively to the clothes that someone is wearing. Regardless of whether you put any thought into what they would look like together, the clothes you’re wearing right now are an outfit. However, outfit is most often understood as referring to a set of clothes (and accessories) that are meant to go together, as in Before I go to bed each night, I choose and lay out my outfit for the next day. (We see you with the yellow vest and the matching socks. It’s working.)

Outfit has a lot of meanings, but most of them relate to equipment or clothing. Remember: You can outfit (equip) an outfit (group) with outfits (coordinated clothing).

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to outfit?

  • outfitter (noun)
  • outfitted (past tense verb)
  • preoutfit (verb)
  • reoutfit (verb)

What are some synonyms for outfit?

What are some words that share a root or word element with outfit

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing outfit?

How is outfit used in real life?

Outfit is most often in the context of clothes and fashion. As a verb, it often relates to preparing for outdoor activities.

 

 

Try using outfit!

Which of the following things would NOT be part of an outfit?

A. shoes
B. shirt
C. toothpaste
D. hat

Example sentences from the Web for outfit

British Dictionary definitions for outfit

outfit
/ (ˈaʊtˌfɪt) /

noun

a set of articles or equipment for a particular task, occupation, etc
a set of clothes, esp a carefully selected one
informal any group or association regarded as a cohesive unit, such as a military company, business house, etc
the act of fitting out
Canadian (formerly) the annual shipment of trading goods and supplies sent by a fur company to its trading posts

verb -fits, -fitting or -fitted

to furnish or be furnished with an outfit, equipment, etc