Showing results for "setting"

• present participle of set.

setting

American  

[set-ing] / ˈsɛt ɪŋ /

noun

settings plural

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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Synonym Usage

See environment.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonsetting
  adjective
• unsetting
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• settings
  plural

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

Its HBO Max sibling “Hacks” scored 24 nominations for its fifth season swan song, setting a new record for the top comedy category.

From Salon • Jul. 9, 2026

Many accounts were opted in by default, making their public photos available to the tool and setting off alarm in the entertainment industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2026

One of those additions, a text setting of a movement of the “Gran Partita,” showed off some excellent oboe playing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

McCabe says the foundation managed to secure the venue before setting about the task of installing workstations, camera equipment and screens required to stage and broadcast the EWC.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

Laura was setting down two plates on the coffee table, each one laden with chocolate chip pancakes, a bowl of strawberries, and a floof of whipped cream.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

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