setting

noun

set·​ting ˈse-tiŋ How to pronounce setting (audio)
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
3
a
: 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
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 But locating a deal with an instructive point, checking the analysis, and coming up with a setting in which to present the deal take time. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 No one seems to care about a level of hostility that would never be allowed to escalate on other forms of transportation — on an airplane, for example, a setting just as cramped and prone to frustrated passengers. Michael Wilson, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024 In their ideal world, the Dodgers could accomplish both in the next week — aiming to grow closer together in a foreign setting, while also setting the right tone for the rest of their high-pressure, high-profile season. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 The brand doesn't recommend using a drying machine, so lay flat to dry and iron on a cool setting if needed. Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 16 Mar. 2024 Rising from that setting, Frost’s poems are simple yet profound, plain in language but deep in thought, rustic and local in tone but universal in vision,. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 Doctors implant the electrodes close to the subthalamic nucleus and then adjust the settings through a pulse generator that is implanted under the skin of the chest. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 The music video takes place in an urban environment that gradually transforms into a spring setting, with a trail of flowers left by the protagonist. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 15 Mar. 2024 Brown’s work on poker and Diplomacy was particularly impressive because his models take into account the beliefs and psychology of other players—but those players are still operating in a constrained setting, with clear rules. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'setting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of setting was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near setting

Cite this Entry

“Setting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setting. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

setting

noun
set·​ting
ˈset-iŋ
1
: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set
change a thermostat setting
2
: a frame or holder in which something is mounted
a setting for a diamond
3
: the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance
4
: the articles of tableware required for setting a place at table
two settings of silver
5
: a batch of eggs for hatching

More from Merriam-Webster on setting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!