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

A motion hearing and trial setting is scheduled for May 11.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Higher inflation expectations influence price setting by firms and spending plans by households, so the central bank is keep to those expectations close to its 2% target.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

At 2 p.m., the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee concludes and will announce if interest rates will be lowered, or not.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Jo Gennari, who works for the NHS, was instrumental in setting up the group after experiencing the "horrific" marathon in 2019, when she was a pacer for slower runners who got heckled by contractors.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

I even feel happy as I imagine setting foot in a new city and having adventures unlike anything I’ve experienced.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

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