mindset

noun

mind·​set ˈmīn(d)-ˌset How to pronounce mindset (audio)
variants or less commonly mind-set
plural mindsets also mind-sets
1
: a mental attitude or inclination
politicians trying to determine the mindset of voters
It isn't only the freshness of the fruit that makes breakfast in California restaurants outstanding. It's an attitude, a morning mindset, a desire to start the day in a leisurely, luxurious manner.Jane and Michael Stern
2
: a fixed state of mind
His mind-set does not allow for new situations.
The German military thought they were being honorable, and this wasn't an excuse—this was their complete mindset.William Vollman

Examples of mindset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That type of mindset commands respect and inspires confidence inside Seattle’s locker room, particularly when paired with a willingness to battle in the trenches. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 But the dream-school mindset treats admissions as a prize to be won rather than a path to be traveled. Jeffrey Selingo, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 Having a very rigid mindset is not helpful’ Banna confirms that Swift’s approach to eating in 2010 aligns with intuitive eating. Renée Onque, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 Ghani grew up with that mindset. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 That mindset is immensely powerful. Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 Fostering the community mindset, the game experience is enhanced by a partnership with WeSmash, an app for padel enthusiasts to connect on- and off-the-court. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025 The 42-year-old coach, who is in his second year leading the Cardinals, further elaborated on his mindset. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 So, this app is in and of that mindset. Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mindset was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

mindset

noun
mind·​set
variants also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit

More from Merriam-Webster on mindset

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