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set-top

American

[set-top] / ˈsɛtˌtɒp /

adjective

denoting a device designed to sit atop a television and serve as a link to interactive communications systems.

set-top boxes that allow viewers to order movies on demand.

Etymology

Origin of set-top

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Users record from the Toosheh satellite TV channel onto a USB stick plugged into their set-top box, which they can then decrypt using a special app installed on their phone or computer.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

The rules apply to any device on which a programme is viewed, including a TV, desktop or laptop computer, mobile phone, tablet, games console or set-top box.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

Michael Ramsay, TiVo’s co-founder, blamed the price, arguing that DVRs wouldn’t reach mass-market penetration until they were priced as about a $100 “add-on” to cable set-top boxes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

The jury in Salt Lake City reached its decision on Friday in ClearPlay's lawsuit against Dish, finding that Dish's AutoHop feature for skipping commercials on its Hopper set-top boxes is covered by ClearPlay's patents.

From Reuters • Mar. 13, 2023

They have handed out Russian passports, cellphone numbers and set-top boxes for watching Russian television.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023