set down

verb

set down; setting down; sets down

transitive verb

1

: to cause to sit down : seat

2

: to place at rest on a surface or on the ground

3

: to suspend (a jockey) from racing

4

: to cause or allow to get off a vehicle : deliver

5

: to land (an airplane) on the ground or water

6

a

: ordain, establish

b

: to put in writing

7

a

: regard, consider

set him down as a liar

b

: attribute

Synonyms of set down

• sit
• seat
• put

Examples of set down in a Sentence

set the toddler down in her seat

set down the names of those in attendance

Recent Examples on the Web

Ensure guests have a spot to kick off their shoes, hang up coats, and set down packages or purses inside the door. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025

By far the best sentences in her new novel are those setting down the world as seen through Catt’s eyes. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

November in the South is marked by mild days and cool nights—perfect weather for plants to set down roots. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025

Its double-wall vacuum insulation is something to be thankful for ahead of Thanksgiving, alongside the portable wine glass’ splash-proof lid and silicone base for setting down your pinot noir without a sound. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for set down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

set down

verb

1

: to cause to sit down : seat

2

: to place at rest on a surface or on the ground

3

: to land (an airplane) on the ground or water

4

: establish sense 2

the government set down laws

5

: to put in writing