setting

[set-ing]

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.

setting

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonsetting adjective
• unsetting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of setting¹

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

Synonym Study

See environment.

Example Sentences

Charities such as Noah's Ark Centre are now stepping in to help those affected by setting up a project dedicated to providing free carpets for families in need.

From BBC

It’s the kind of setting where you can interact with the chef, watch each piece of nigiri come together, and savor the craft up close.

From Salon

Just last week, a federal judge ruled that the administration setting immigration-related conditions on similar emergency funding was “arbitrary and capricious,” and unconstitutional.

From Los Angeles Times

He was the one setting the tempo and setting the press.

From BBC

“Parental controls allow parents to link their account with their teen’s account and customize settings for a safe, age-appropriate experience,” OpenAI said in a blog post about the new feature announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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