set-in
adjective
made separately and placed within another unit.
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set-in
American
[set-in]
/ ˈsɛtˌɪn /
adjective
set in
British
verb
-
to become established
the winter has set in
-
(of wind) to blow or (of current) to move towards shore
adjective
set in
Idioms
-
Insert, put in, as in I still have to set in the sleeves and then the sweater will be done . [Late 1300s]
-
Begin to happen or become apparent, as in Darkness was setting in as I left . [c. 1700]
-
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.
See Examples For:
“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 ● Apr. 6, 2023
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 ● Jul. 24, 2022
He also noted that the blue 42 on the back of the jerseys was much bolder than average and that there was a “discernible tailoring modification” by using raglan sleeves instead of set-in sleeves.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2019
Take note: Her knee-covering straight skirts delivered a precise fit, due to the set-in waistband and back center zipper in most styles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2015
Mr. Courtenay has published some epistles in rhyme, in which he has honoured me with a dozen lines, and which are really some of the best in the whole set-in ridicule of my writings.
From The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 4 by Horace Walpole
His film takes a bird’s-eye approach to conflict, carefully studying how the systems set in place for our common good, on either side of the party or religious lines, can cause plenty of damage, too.
From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2026
This inspires a funny magic bit set in a fantasy DMV office—much preferable to a real one, needless to say.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Ultimately, the current and upcoming projects that were set in motion to address seismic safety are anticipated to cost more than $2 billion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Currently, the record is 11 September, set in 2002 and 2013.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
The holy man’s mouth was set in a tight line, and a large vein near his temple throbbed dangerously.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
