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

Patel urged people to regularly check devices linked to their account in settings to make sure no one else can access their messages.

From BBC

“We have medically oriented outreach workers trying to reach people in all settings, whether temporary, permanent housing or street settings,” Nicholas said.

From Los Angeles Times

"They were very respectful and very aware of the setting."

From BBC

The results likely support the Bank of Japan’s stance of continuing to tighten policy settings, though the economic uncertainty triggered by tensions in the Middle East adds an element of unpredictability.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least two high-level employees have resigned from OpenAI, citing values and principles, since the company said it had reached a deal with the Pentagon to deploy its AI models in classified settings.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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