setter

American  

[set-er] / ˈsɛt ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that sets.

2. one of any of several breeds of hunting dogs that originally had the habit of crouching when game was scented but that are now trained to stand stiffly and point the muzzle toward the scented game.

3. Volleyball. a player who lofts the ball high for a teammate near the net to spike.

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setter British  

/ ˈsɛtə /

noun

1. any of various breeds of large gun dog, having silky coats and plumed tails See English setter Gordon setter Irish setter

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Etymology

Origin of setter

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; set, -er ¹

Example Sentences

“This is one of the factors that will guide our monetary policy stance and interest-rate decisions in the months ahead,” the ECB rate setter, who plans to step down in June, said at the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Mir became the pace setter after the 28-year-old clocked 1 min 56.874 sec on his Honda machine after 11 laps, to become the fastest rider over two days of testing in Malaysia.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

When he joins the former volleyball powerhouse Karasuno High School, he butts heads with his former rival, setter Tobio Kageyama.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2025

Her sisters — setter Ayva and libero Kayla — graduated in the spring, but the Monarchs bring back three strong middle blockers in Addison Coady, Emma Kingston and Sierra Robinson.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

Truly our all-time gay-straight high five record setter.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith