set-in

1 of 3

adjective

ˈset-ˈin 

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

ˈset-ˌin 

: 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

Synonyms of set-in

Verb

• begin
• start
• be
• originate
• arise
• appear
• commence
• form

Examples of set-in in a Sentence

Verb

a cold spell set in sometime last week

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The handheld cleaner has strong suction to remove both fresh and set-in stains, and the StainForce formulas break down even tough stains while neutralizing odors. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Herro said there was no set-in-stone minutes restriction. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

According to Riley, old, set-in stains are the most challenging to remove. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025

Instead, reapply the stain treatment and rewash the garment or follow the instructions for removing set-in soy sauce stains. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025

But other Democrats say Newsom’s problems are less about the fires and more about perceptions that had been set-in while before Trump’s second win, but are perhaps even more problematic now. — Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025

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, 28 July 2024

Noun

How to Remove Deodorant Stains With Baking Soda Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a mild abrasive that helps lift both fresh and set-in deodorant stains without damaging fabrics, says Sokolowski. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026

Let the cleaner sit for 15 minutes and blot the excess, or cover it with a damp cloth and leave it for up to 24 hours for heavily soiled or old, set-in spots. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Textra 11 Apex is not trying to replace a heavy-duty carpet extractor, and Fanttik is clear that it is not intended for stubborn, set-in stains or pet hair removal. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026

Marker, paint, and drink stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they're dried or set-in. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

Joel Polis and Jill Remez are gruff but endearing as Sarah’s set-in-their-ways parents. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Best of all, there are no set-in-stone rules for this practice. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026

This will give you a set-in-stone payoff timeline, which credit cards just don't offer. — Aly J Yale, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

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

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

Rhymes for set-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

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

: insert entry 1 sense 2

2

: to make its appearance : begin

winter set in early