start out phrasal verb (see also start)

1. to begin happening or existing in a particular way, especially when this changes later
start out as
‘The Star’ started out as a small weekly newspaper.
The leaves start out a pale green, and later get darker.

2. to begin your life or profession, or an important period of time:
When the band first started out, they played at small clubs.
start out as
She started out as a model.
start out on
young couples starting out on their life together

3. to begin going somewhere:
Oliver started out at five, when it was still dark.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

start out
v.
1. To begin to go somewhere.
Bill started out for school on his bicycle.
Art started out on a voyage around the world.
Compare: SET OUT.
2. To begin a career or life.
Harry started out as an errand boy in a business office.
We all start out in life as helpless infants.
Synonym: START IN.
3. informal To give one a first job.
The garage man started Pete out as a grease rack man.
Synonym: START IN³.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲