setting

[ set-ing ]

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, 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.

setting

/ 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

Other Words From

• non·setting adjective
• un·setting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of setting¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; set, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See environment.

Related Words

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