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.

---

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

---

Synonym Usage

See environment.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unsetting
  adjective
• nonsetting
  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

OpenAI just took a step closer to going public, potentially setting up 2026 to be a record-breaking year for IPOs — though the company isn’t guaranteeing it’ll conduct an offering anytime soon.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

They start going their own way, and try setting security arrangements and supply chains that avoid U.S. control.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

The film’s Silicon Valley setting is clearly a very deliberate choice by the filmmakers – and something they remind us of, repeatedly, through such cues.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

He had a quick cup of tea with his wife and newborn daughter, before setting off back to work.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

“Oh, yes, I have a hand in everything. Scene setting, how the actors move, title cards, camera effects. I envision the whole movie in my head and get it all down in the continuity script.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

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