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; see origin at set, -ing ¹

Explanation

A setting is where something is set, or placed. If you want to propose to your beloved, try to choose a romantic setting. To set means to put in place, so a setting is a placement. If you are a jeweler, you will spend a lot of time making silver and gold settings for precious stones. Setting can also mean context. If you tell me that you spent the whole weekend cooing and clucking, before I decide that you’re crazy, you might explain to me that the setting of that clucking was the birth of all the little chicks on your friend’s farm.

Example Sentences

In addition to the levies on battery-powered vehicles, the bill also increases spending on roads, bridges and railways, as well as setting rules for autonomous commercial trucks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Lindeman says she was inspired by Los Angeles’ broader scent culture and a curiosity about what it would feel like to center smell in a communal setting.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

“The front entry opens to the living room, immediately setting the stage with sophisticated architecture and soaring ceilings. The home includes a family room, formal dining room, and a sprawling kitchen,” the listing reads.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

They are setting up treatment centres and working on a response plan.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“I just reach in and slide this little notch on the side of the rotor. Slide it till it’s next to the assigned setting for the day.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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