mindset
noun
mind·set
ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 
variants
or less commonly mind-set
plural mindsets also mind-sets
1
: a mental attitude or inclination
politicians trying to determine the mindset of voters
It isn't only the freshness of the fruit that makes breakfast in California restaurants outstanding. It's an attitude, a morning mindset, a desire to start the day in a leisurely, luxurious manner.—
Jane and Michael Stern
Jane and Michael Stern2
: a fixed state of mind
His mind-set does not allow for new situations.
The German military thought they were being honorable, and this wasn't an excuse—this was their complete mindset.—William Vollman
William VollmanExamples of mindset in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
English considers that mindset both a blessing and a curse, maybe even something that occasionally holds Yuran back.
—Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
That mindset influenced the collection’s focus.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
Following the slalom victory but before her press conference, Shiffrin posted a dozen-paragraph message, about her mindset and approach to the race, to Instagram.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
At Cuyamaca College, our mindset has been completely different.
—Tammi Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The mindset, though, persisted in ways that caused problems for Wilson, the Capitals and other NHL players.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Suffice it to say, some family members get offed – most of them are jerkfaces, yes, and Becket’s mindset is understandable.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Though frequent exercise and dieting were both crucial to his success, the Grammy winner told the publication that the most important thing was shifting his mindset.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2026
Despite the vilification that has become popular in some corners, my colleagues and I went to work every single day with a public health mindset.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
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Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
That mindset influenced the collection’s focus.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
Following the slalom victory but before her press conference, Shiffrin posted a dozen-paragraph message, about her mindset and approach to the race, to Instagram.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
At Cuyamaca College, our mindset has been completely different.
—Tammi Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The mindset, though, persisted in ways that caused problems for Wilson, the Capitals and other NHL players.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Suffice it to say, some family members get offed – most of them are jerkfaces, yes, and Becket’s mindset is understandable.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Though frequent exercise and dieting were both crucial to his success, the Grammy winner told the publication that the most important thing was shifting his mindset.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2026
Despite the vilification that has become popular in some corners, my colleagues and I went to work every single day with a public health mindset.
—Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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