setting

noun

set·​ting ˈse-tiŋ 

1

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

2

: the frame or bed in which a gem is set

also : style of mounting

3

a

: the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops

b

: the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work

c

: the scenery used in a theatrical or film production

4

: the music composed for a text (such as a poem)

5

: the articles of tableware for setting a place at table

two settings of sterling silver

6

: a batch of eggs for incubation

Synonyms

• ambient
• atmosphere
• climate
• clime
• context
• contexture
• environment
• environs
• medium
• milieu
• mise-en-scène
• surround
• surroundings
• terrain

Choose the Right Synonym for setting

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs.

background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

Examples of setting in a Sentence

This would be a beautiful setting for a picnic.

He tends to be shy in social settings.

dining in a casual setting

The movie changes the play's setting from the late 18th century to the year 2000.

She uses modern-day Los Angeles as the setting for her book.

Save money by turning the temperature settings up in the summer and down in the winter.

She just learned how to change the settings on her camera.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a baleful, country sound to the score, by the folk duo Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Levine (who is also credited with music supervision, orchestration and arrangements) suited to the Oklahoma setting and an aching desire to escape it. —Naveen Kumar, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024

Those who want to enjoy the bakery’s bread in a sit-down setting can find its sourdough at Place des Fêtes, in Clinton Hill, and toasted sandwiches at the old Oxalis space in Crown Heights, which is scheduled to reopen as an (as yet unnamed) all-day cafe in mid-May. —Devorah Lev-Tov Kin Woo Ella Riley-Adams Jameson Montgomery Kurt Soller Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Your relatives might feel more comfortable in a group setting. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

As previously reported by ESSENCE, 2023 survey results released by child care provider Brighter Horizons revealed a remote or hybrid setting has led to extreme lonesomeness. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Apr. 2024

Food and Drink The property's new and renovated food and beverage venues highlight Hawai'i's natural bounty by offering guests various cuisines and dining settings. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2024

These retro displays put a spotlight on works by Barbara Hepworth, Jean Arp, Max Ernst and more — smaller sculptures that are easy to overlook in any setting. —Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

Considering that the largest mass shooting in modern American history happened at a country music festival in 2017 — while Aldean was onstage — the Tower setting deserved a second thought. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

Interior Design Interior designers create functional and visually-appealing spaces for residential, commercial or industrial settings. —Goldie Chan, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing setting

• setting circle
• place setting
• setting-up exercise
• trend-setting

Kids Definition

setting

noun

set·​ting

ˈset-iŋ

1

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

change a thermostat setting

2

: a frame or holder in which something is mounted

a setting for a diamond

3

: the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance

4

: the articles of tableware required for setting a place at table

two settings of silver

5

: a batch of eggs for hatching