set-in

1 of 3

adjective

1
: placed, located, or built as a part of some other construction
a set-in bookcase
a set-in washbasin
2
: cut separately and stitched in
set-in sleeves

set-in

2 of 3

noun

: insert

set in

3 of 3

verb

set in; setting in; sets in

transitive verb

: insert
especially : to stitch (a small part) within a large article
set in a sleeve of a dress

intransitive verb

: to become established

Examples of set-in in a Sentence

Verb a cold spell set in sometime last week
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime and tough set-in stains, it can also be used for shirts, towels, workout gear and more for versatile use on the go. Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 The Daily Shirt is aptly designed for paddling, thanks to set-in sleeves and minimal stitching and seams throughout. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2023 Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2023 The dress has a crew neckline, set-in sleeves, and a functional front pocket. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023 Our testers noted that this product completely removed both fresh and set-in red wine stains from t-shirts. Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2023 With its powerful stain-fighting formula, Tyler Gallon can remove tough set-in stains while leaving fabrics feeling smooth. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2023
Noun
In certain quarters, this space included, the pitch clock’s biggest challenge figured to come from the saltiest, set-in-their-ways veterans chafing at being told to move it along, service time be damned. Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023 Traditional lending can often unintentionally box out small-business owners with stringent and set-in-stone requirements. Xan Myburgh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set-in.' 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

Adjective

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1953, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of set-in was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near set-in

Cite this Entry

“Set-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-in. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

set-in

1 of 2 adjective
ˌset-ˌin
: cut separately and stitched in
set-in sleeves

set in

2 of 2 verb
1
2
: to make its appearance : begin
winter set in early
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