What does outfitted mean?
Outfitted is the past tense and past participle of outfit. It means providing someone with the clothing, equipment, or supplies they need for a particular activity, such as a journey, expedition, job, or performance. It can also mean dressing someone in a particular style, though this use is less frequent. The word is common in British and American English and often appears in phrases such as "fully outfitted" and "outfitted with." Its meaning can imply practical preparation as well as the provision of clothes: an outfitted expedition team has not only suitable garments but also the tools and equipment required for its work. Outfitted is consequently more specific than dressed and often suggests readiness for a clearly defined purpose.
To provide someone with clothing, equipment, or supplies needed for a particular activity or purpose.
"The organizers outfitted each volunteer with a headset and identification badge."
Common in British and American English, particularly in travel, expedition, workplace, sports, and military contexts.
To dress someone in clothing suitable for a particular style, role, or occasion.
"The costume designer outfitted the actors in matching period clothing."
This sense is less frequent than the sense of providing necessary equipment and supplies.
To be outfitted is more than simply to get dressed: it means being supplied with everything needed for a particular task or journey.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outfitted come from?
The verb outfit developed in the 19th century from the noun outfit, meaning equipment or clothing provided for a particular purpose or occupation. The element out- in this formation is historical and does not necessarily carry its modern sense of moving beyond something. The verb later developed the meaning of providing with equipment and, by extension, dressing in suitable clothing. Related words include fitting and refit, which share the older sense of preparing or equipping.
Related word forms
How outfitted is actually used
The word is informal to neutral and is especially common in contexts involving travel, work, sports, or military equipment. As a past participle, it can follow the linking verb be: "The team is fully outfitted."