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; set, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The firm has now changed the alarm's settings as the reactor is safe to operate, Inagaki said.

From Barron's

Either way, it’s setting up to be an interesting season of retail earnings ahead.

From Barron's

The stocks of all major publicly traded private-capital firms fell Thursday, with most firms shedding any stock gains year to date and a few, including Blue Owl, setting a 52-week low during regular trading hours.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a report setting out the recommendations, the R&R Client Board - committee set up to deliver the renovation - said "continuing in the same way is unsustainable".

From BBC

A handful of AI giants are changing America from the top down, with spending sprees setting off a construction boom and eye-popping valuations lifting financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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