Illustration of settle
settled; settling
ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ
ˈset-liŋ
1
: to place so as to stay
2
a
: to establish in residence
b
: to furnish with inhabitants : colonize
3
a
: to cause to pack down
b
: to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink
4
: to make quiet or orderly
5
a
: to fix or resolve conclusively
settle the question
b
: to establish or secure permanently
settle the order of royal succession
c
: to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court
d
: to close (something, such as an account) by payment often of less than is due
6
: to arrange in a desired position
7
: to make or arrange for final disposition of
settled his affairs
8
of an animal
: impregnate
1
: to come to rest
2
a
: to sink gradually or to the bottom
b
: to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum
c
: to become compact by sinking
3
a
: to become fixed, resolved, or established
a cold settled in his chest
b
: to establish a residence or colony
settled in Wisconsin
—often used with down
4
a
: to become quiet or orderly
b
: to take up an ordered or stable life
—often used with down
marry and settle down
5
a
: to adjust differences or accounts
b
: to come to a decision
—used with on or upon
settled on a new plan
c
: to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court
6
of an animal
: conceive
see also:
: a wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and an enclosed foundation which can be used as a chest
Cite this Entry
“Settle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/settle. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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