set-in
Americanadjective
verb
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to become established
the winter has set in
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(of wind) to blow or (of current) to move towards shore
adjective
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Insert, put in, as in I still have to set in the sleeves and then the sweater will be done . [Late 1300s]
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Begin to happen or become apparent, as in Darkness was setting in as I left . [c. 1700]
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Move toward the shore, said of wind or water, as in The tide sets in very quickly here . [Early 1700s]
Etymology
Origin of set-in
First recorded in 1525–35; adj. use of verb phrase set in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“As a fisher that chases fish, it is really hard to go back to a set-in position just hoping the fish come to you. That’s a real adjustment.”
From Seattle Times
“Though a story of hate is at its center,” I wrote in my review, “it’s enveloped by a larger story of fiction and wonder and love — most brightly that of a son for his father, a man of set-in habits and determined goodness.”
From Seattle Times
This technique might do the trick on its own, but it also doubles as a pre-treatment for set-in stains on removable cushion covers that need to head to the laundry room.
From Salon
Though a story of hate is at its center, it’s enveloped by a larger story of fiction and wonder and love — most brightly that of a son for his father, a man of set-in habits and determined goodness.
From Seattle Times
Frustration began to set-in when James blazed over and saw another effort tipped behind by Oluva Joensen.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
