setting

American  

[set-ing] / ˈsɛt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that sets.

2. the surroundings or environment of anything.

   The garden was a perfect setting for the house.

3. the mounting in which a jewel is set.

4. a group of all the articles, as of china, silver, or glass, required for setting a table or a single place at a table.

5. the locale or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc., takes place.

   The setting of this story is Verona in the 15th century.

6. Also called stage setting.  Also called stage set.  the scenery and other properties used in a dramatic performance.

7. Music.

   1. a piece of music composed for certain words.

   2. a piece of music composed for a particular medium, or arranged for other than the original medium.

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setting British  

/ ˈsɛtɪŋ /

noun

1. the surroundings in which something is set; scene

2. the scenery, properties, or background, used to create the location for a stage play, film, etc

3. music a composition consisting of a certain text and music provided or arranged for it

4. the metal mounting and surround of a gem

   diamonds in an antique gold setting

5. the tableware, cutlery, etc, for a single place at table

6. any of a series of points on a scale or dial that can be selected to control the level as of temperature, speed, etc, at which a machine functions

7. a clutch of eggs in a bird's nest, esp a clutch of hen's eggs

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Related Words

See environment.

Other Word Forms

• nonsetting adjective
• unsetting adjective

Etymology

Origin of setting

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; set, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Another study is under way in the UK looking at whether using blood tests improves both the diagnosis and treatment in real-world settings.

From BBC

Companies have to thread a fine needle to get moonshot awards right—setting targets that aren’t too easy, but also aren’t so hard that the awards are unattainable and lose all incentive value.

From The Wall Street Journal

That realization set the stage for a new approach that would soon reshape how weight care could work in primary care settings.

From Science Daily

Despite this guidance, the warning is not always widely recognized or consistently followed in clinical settings.

From Science Daily

The DUP leader added that he has now written to Burrows setting out his party's position and inviting him to meet.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambience
• backdrop
• context
• environment
• framework
• locale
• location
• site
• surroundings