1. To begin undertaking some journey or process. The group of explorers started out on an ambitious trip across Antarctica. Sure, I'm successful now, but I was broke and constantly on the brink of failure when I was first starting out.

2. To begin at some point of origin in a process of development. I started out as a dishwasher here 20 years ago, but I own the place now! Every great product starts out as a great idea—you just need the ambition and determination to make it happen!

3. To instruct, cause, or compel someone to begin on something or to begin doing something as an initial starting point. A noun or pronoun is used between "start" and "out." We'll start you out on some easy tasks so you get the hang of the job before we throw you into the deep end. They're starting me out on algebra tables before we move up to anything more complicated.

4. To instruct, cause, or compel someone to begin something as an initial treatment for an illness, injury, or ailment. A noun or pronoun is used between "start" and "on." They're starting me out on physical therapy to see if it helps reduce the pain. Otherwise, I might need surgery. Let's start you out on the lowest dosage—we can always increase it if we need to.