setting

noun

set·ting | \ ˈse-tiŋ

Definition of setting

1 : the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

2 : the frame or bed in which a gem is set also : style of mounting

3a : the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops

b : the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work

c : the scenery used in a theatrical or film production

4 : the music composed for a text (such as a poem)

5 : the articles of tableware for setting a place at table two settings of sterling silver

6 : a batch of eggs for incubation

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about setting

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Choose the Right Synonym for setting

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs. background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development. the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms. a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development. the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons. an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect. a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

Examples of setting in a Sentence

This would be a beautiful setting for a picnic. He tends to be shy in social settings. dining in a casual setting The movie changes the play's setting from the late 18th century to the year 2000. She uses modern-day Los Angeles as the setting for her book. Save money by turning the temperature settings up in the summer and down in the winter. She just learned how to change the settings on her camera.

Recent Examples on the Web

Reduce the speed to the lowest setting again, and slowly stream the butter into the dough, allowing it to fully absorb the butter slowly, instead of pouring it in all at once. — Los Angeles Times, "How to make the best kolaches from our favorite NYC pastry chef," 26 Aug. 2019 Set your photos to the highest privacy settings where possible. — Leah Napoliello, Houston Chronicle, "BBB on Homes: Beware of the security risks of social media," 17 Aug. 2019 Accuracy was of paramount importance for such a charged and contemporary setting, says Janocko. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "‘Orange Is the New Black’ production designer on recreating ICE facilities for final season," 13 Aug. 2019 Featuring a full cast of actors of color, this beloved production transports the audience away to a radiant and exotic setting, befitting the mirth and magic of Shakespeare's romantic comedy. — SFChronicle.com, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," 9 Aug. 2019 How does bacterial presence in gyms compare to other public settings? — Scott Douglas, sun-sentinel.com, "Your gym is teeming with invisible members: Germs. Here’s how to avoid them.," 29 July 2019 In the injury absence of tight ends Jake Butt (ACL) and Bug Howard (ankle), Fort has emerged as a surprise candidate to solidify a roster spot; just so long as his playmaking extends to game settings. — Kyle Fredrickson, The Denver Post, "Broncos’ tight end Austin Fort emerges as serious roster contender," 26 July 2019 Begin by unplugging the extension cord from the wall and turning the meter’s dial to the Ohm setting. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How To Use a Digital Multimeter," 25 July 2019 Building on this success, the team at CCWD partnered with UNICEF last year (pdf) to adapt existing wearable devices to a Malawian setting. — Annabelle Timsit, Quartz Africa, "Malawi is testing using wearables to measure kids’ well-being," 24 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'setting.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for setting

setting

noun

English Language Learners Definition of setting

: the place and conditions in which something happens or exists

: the time, place, and conditions in which the action of a book, movie, etc., takes place

US : the rooms, painted backgrounds, furniture, etc., that are used for a scene in a movie or play

See the full definition for setting in the English Language Learners Dictionary

setting

noun

set·ting | \ ˈse-tiŋ\

Kids Definition of setting

1 : the act of someone or something that sets

2 : that in which something is set or mounted a gold setting for a ruby

3 : the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or play

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setting

Definition of setting

Synonyms for setting

Choose the Right Synonym for setting

Examples of setting in a Sentence

First Known Use of setting

English Language Learners Definition of setting

Kids Definition of setting

setting

Definition of setting

Synonyms for setting

Choose the Right Synonym for setting

Examples of setting in a Sentence

First Known Use of setting

English Language Learners Definition of setting

Kids Definition of setting

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