set

verb \ ˈset \

Updated on: 14 May 2018

set; setting

transitive verb

1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat

2 a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them

b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator

3 : to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race

4 a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability

set a ladder against the wall

set a stone on the grave

b : transplant 1

set seedlings

c (1) : to make (a trap) ready to catch prey

(2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish

d : to put aside (something, such as dough containing yeast) for fermenting

5 : to direct with fixed attention

set your mind to it

6 a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation

slaves were set free

set the house on fire

b : to cause the start of

set a fire

7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty

b : post, station

8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position

set the door ajar

9 a : to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance

the years have set their mark on him

b : affix

c : apply

set a match to kindling

10 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : prescribe

set a wedding day

set the rules for the game

11 a : to establish as the highest level or best performance

set a record for the half mile

b : to furnish as a pattern or model

set an example of generosity

c : to allot as a task

setting lessons for the children to work upon at home
—Manchester Examiner

12 a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position

set the alarm for 7:00

set a thermostat at 68

; also : to adjust (something, such as a clock) in conformity with a standard

b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured

set a broken bone

c : to spread to the wind

set the sails

13 a : to put in order for use

set a place for a guest

b : to make scenically ready for a performance

set the stage

c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing

set type by hand

(2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film)

set the first word in italic

14 a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing

set a razor

b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions

c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface

15 : to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)

16 : to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (such as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions

17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : stud, dot

clear sky set with stars

b : to fix (something, such as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting

c : to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting

a story set in Paris

18 a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of

sets a great deal by daily exercise

b : to place in a relative rank or category

set duty before pleasure

c : to fix at a certain amount

set bail at $500

d : value, rate

their promises were set at naught

e : to place as an estimate of worth

set a high value on life

19 : to place in relation for comparison or balance

theory set against practice

20 a : to direct to action

b : to incite to attack or antagonism

war sets brother against brother

21 a : to place by transporting

was set ashore on the island

b : to put in motion

c : to put and fix in a direction

set our faces toward home once more

d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude

22 : to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge

23 a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to

set her jaw in determination

b : to make unyielding or obstinate

24 : to cause to become firm or solid

set milk for cheese

25 : to cause (fruit or seed) to develop

intransitive verb

1 chiefly dialectal : sit

2 : to be becoming : be suitable : fit

the coat sets well

3 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them

4 a : to affect one with or as if with weight

the pudding sets heavily on my stomach

b : to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (such as running)

5 of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination

6 a : to pass below the horizon : go down

the sun sets

b : to come to an end

this century sets with little mirth
—Thomas Fuller

7 : to apply oneself to some activity

set to work

8 : to have a specified direction in motion : flow, tend

the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm
—Esther Forbes

9 of a dog : to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing

10 : to dance face to face with another in a square dance

set to your partner and turn

11 a : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration

the cement sets rapidly

b of a dye or color : to become permanent

c of a bone : to become whole by growing together

— set about

: to begin to do

— set apart

1 : to reserve to a particular use

2 : to make noticeable or outstanding

— set aside

1 : to put to one side : discard

2 : to reserve for a purpose : save

3 : dismiss

4 : annul, overrule

— set at

: to mount an attack on : assail

would go although … devils should set at me
—Charlotte Yonge

— set eyes on

: to catch sight of

— set foot in

: enter

— set foot on

: to step onto

— set forth

1 : to give an account or statement of

2 : to start out on a journey

— set forward

1 : further

2 : to start out on a journey

— set in motion

: to give impulse to

sets the story in motion vividly
—Howard Thompson

— set one's hand to

: to become engaged in

— set one's heart on

: resolve transitive 5

she set her heart on going to medical school

— set one's house in order

: to organize one's affairs

— set one's sights on

: to determine to pursue

— set one's teeth on edge

: irritate, annoy

— set one straight

: to correct someone by providing accurate information

— set sail

: to start out on a course; especially : to begin a voyage

set sail for Bermuda

— set store by or set store on

: to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile

— set the stage

: to provide the basis or background

this trend will set the stage for higher earnings

— set to music

: to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)

— set upon

: to attack usually with violence

the dogs set upon the trespassers

See set defined for English-language learners

See set defined for kids

Examples of set in a Sentence

We need to set some extra chairs around the table.
He set the ladder against the wall and walked away.
I remember setting my bag right here.
They set the bricks along the walkway.
The jeweler can set the stone several different ways.
He turned off the car and set the parking brake.
Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.
We set an extra place at the table for our guest.

Origin and Etymology of set

Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

set Synonyms

set

noun

1 a : the act or action of setting

b : the condition of being set

2 : a number of things of the same kind that belong or are used together

an electric train set

3 a : mental inclination, tendency, or habit : bent

a set toward mathematics

b : a state of psychological preparedness to perceive or respond to an anticipated stimulus or situation

4 : direction of flow

the set of the wind

5 : form or carriage of the body or of its parts

her face took on a cynical set
—Raymond Kennedy

6 : the manner of fitting or of being placed or suspended

in order to give the skirt a pretty set
—Mary J. Howell

7 : amount of deflection from a straight line

set of a saw's teeth

8 : permanent change of form (as of metal) due to repeated or excessive stress

9 : the act or result of arranging hair by curling or waving

10 or less commonly sett play \ˈset\

a : a young plant or rooted cutting ready for transplanting

b : a small bulb, corm, or tuber or a piece of tuber used for propagation

onion sets

c : the blossoms of a plant that have set fruit as a result of fertilization

11 or sett : the burrow of a badger

12 : the width of the body of a piece of type

13 : an artificial setting for a scene of a theatrical or film production

14 or less commonly sett : a rectangular paving stone of sandstone or granite

15 : a division of a tennis match won by the side that wins at least six games beating the opponent by two games or by winning a tiebreaker

16 : a collection of books or periodicals forming a unit

17 : a clutch of eggs

18 : the basic formation in a country-dance or square dance

19 : a session of music (such as jazz or dance music) usually followed by an intermission; also : the music played at one session

20 : a group of persons associated by common interests

21 : a collection of elements and especially mathematical ones (such as numbers or points) — called also class

22 : an apparatus of electronic components assembled so as to function as a unit

a television set

23 : a usually offensive formation in football or basketball

24 : a group of a specific number of repetitions of a particular exercise

See set defined for English-language learners

Examples of set in a Sentence

I need to buy a new set of golf clubs.
The kids are allowed to watch two hours of television. After that, I turn off the set.
We met on the set of Hamlet.

Recent Examples of set from the Web

People started to understand him, and he was allowed to explore his deep set of emotions.

— alex wong, GQ, "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot," 11 May 2018
From May 23rd America can impose its first set of tariffs against China, on around $50bn of goods.

— The Economist, "Europe must agree a common position to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs," 10 May 2018
The set was a warm and family-friendly place, crew members said.

— Washington Post, "Markle had a Hollywood-but-humble youth before royalty rang," 9 May 2018
The small set of stems are the perfect accompaniment to a super-soft throw blanket, or a shimmery BaleFire Glass vase, both of which Atwood stocks in-store.

— michaela bechler, Vogue, "Where to Get Unconventional Mother’s Day Flowers in New York City," 9 May 2018
His set at Boulevardia last summer blew people away!

— chris haghirian, kansascity, "Haim, Modest Mouse and a new fest for workers top this week's music | The Kansas City Star," 8 May 2018
European spending negotiations are usually protracted, but this set could be especially challenging.

— tania rabesandratana, Science | AAAS, "European Commission proposes €100 billion research spending plan," 2 May 2018
The set of 12 defendants due in court this week is separate from 14 fraternity members whose charges were previously sent to county court after marathon preliminary hearings.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, "AG drops some charges in Penn State hazing death, seeks reinstatement of others," 1 May 2018
The set for the series was actually in Vancouver and the actors filmed for 10 months out of the year, working grueling hours to shoot the teen-centric superhero drama.

— tyler mccarthy, Fox News, "'Smallville' curse? Allison Mack's show was grueling at times, few of its stars left unscathed," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'set.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of set

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

set Synonyms

Synonyms

body, bunch, circle, clan, clique, community, coterie, coven, crowd, fold, gang, lot, network, pack, ring;

Related Words

charmed circle, elite, in-group;

club, college, fellowship, guild (also gild), league, organization, society;

camp, faction, sect, side, tribe;

mess, squad;

brotherhood, fraternity, order, sisterhood, sodality, sorority;

commune;

alliance, bloc, coalition, confederation, congress, council, federation, union;

set

adjective

1 : intent, determined

set upon going

2 : intentional, premeditated

did it of set purpose

3 : fixed by authority or appointment : prescribed, specified

set hours of study

4 : reluctant to change

set in their ways

5 a : immovable, rigid

set frown

b : built-in

a set tub

6 : settled, persistent

set defiance

7 : being in readiness : prepared

set for an early morning start

See set defined for English-language learners

Examples of set in a Sentence

Her college is set in the countryside.
Their house is set back from the road.
a man with deep-set eyes
She has very set ideas about how children should behave.

Recent Examples of set from the Web

Anyone who’s set foot in a Catholic church has observed the opulent visual language of the institutional Church.

— refinery29.com, "Has Catholicism Earned This "Fashion" Moment?," 3 May 2018
Consider instead a systematic withdrawal plan where a set dollar amount of shares are liquidated monthly.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "Second mortgage isn't always solution to revolving debt," 20 Apr. 2018
At other places, the business may require all servers to distribute set percentages of tips to each staffer who worked with them.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Change in law allows pooling of tips in California, aiding cooks, dishwashers," 12 Apr. 2018
The 33-year-old Smith led the NFL in passer rating (104.7) this season and set career-highs in passing yards (4,042) and touchdowns (26) while throwing just five interceptions.

— scooby axson, SI.com, "Report: Redskins QB Alex Smith Signs Extension; To Make $40 Million in 2018," 19 Mar. 2018
At the DR Johnson plant three hours to the south—the first in the country to make structural-grade panels—the timber is planed down to a thickness of 1.375 inches, laid flat and set end to end in a single layer.

— matthew berger, Newsweek, "Wooden Buildings as Strong as Steel," 20 Feb. 2016
Mr Pence, a devout Christian himself, did not even set foot in a church in the Holy Land.

— The Economist, "Is America wrong to cut aid to Palestinian refugees?," 25 Jan. 2018
Skiing without a set track requires significantly more balance, but wider skis will aid stability.

— matt allyn, Popular Mechanics, "How to Start Cross-Country Skiing," 23 Jan. 2018
While the academies would not require set academic criteria for students, the magnet school would continue to do so, Kincaid said.

— sarah freishtat, Aurora Beacon-News, "East Aurora preparing STEM, STEAM proposal," 19 Jan. 2018

Origin and Etymology of set

Middle English sett, from Old English gesett, past participle of settan

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

set Synonyms

Synonyms

bent (on or upon), bound, decisive, determined, do-or-die, firm, hell-bent (on or upon), intent, out, purposeful, resolute, resolved, single-minded;

Antonyms

faltering, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, undetermined, unresolved, vacillating, wavering, weak-kneed;

Near Antonyms

distrustful, doubtful, dubious, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, uncertain, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure;

disinclined, indisposed, loath (also loth), reluctant;

Related Words

bitter, vehement;

certain, cocksure, confident, positive, sure;

earnest, serious;

steady, unfaltering, unhesitating, unswerving, unwavering;

adamant, adamantine, dogged, hard, hardened, hardheaded, headstrong, immovable, implacable, inflexible, mulish, obdurate, persistent, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, rigid, self-willed, stubborn, tenacious, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful (or wilful);

Phrases

on one's mettle;

SET Defined for Kids

set

verb \ ˈset \

set; setting

1 : to put or fix in a place or condition

I set the box on a table.

2 : to cause to be, become, or do

Police set the prisoner free.

3 : ¹start 4

He set a fire.

4 : to fix or decide on

They set the wedding date.

Have you set a price?

5 : to furnish as a model

You should set an example for the others.

She ran to the front and set the pace.

6 : to adjust or put in order for use

Please set the table.

Did you set the alarm?

7 : to fix firmly

He sets his feet and takes aim.

8 : to pass below the horizon : go down

The sun is setting.

9 : to begin some activity

They set to work on the cleaning project.

10 : to cause to sit

I set the baby in her chair.

11 : to arrange in a desired and especially a normal position

Doctors set the broken bone.

12 : to become or cause to become firm or solid

Wait for the cement to set.

13 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them

The hen set for days.

14 : to locate the plot of (a story)

15 : to provide (as words or verses) with music

— set aside

: to reserve for some purpose

— set eyes on

: to catch sight of : see

Though he lived nearby, I had never set eyes on him.

— set in

: to make its appearance : begin

They needed to leave arctic waters before winter set in.

— set off

1 : to start a journey

We set off for home.

2 : explode 1

We set off fireworks.

3 : to make noticeable

The phrase is set off by commas.

4 : to cause to start

The story set them off laughing.

— set out

1 : to begin on a course or journey

We arrived a month after we set out.

2 : to begin with a purpose

He set out to win.

— set up

1 : to place or secure in position

Help me set up the tables.

2 : to put in operation

The community set up an animal shelter.

set

noun

1 : a number of persons or things of the same kind that belong together, are used together, or occur together

a set of footsteps

He was given two sets of clothes and a towel.
—Louis Sachar, Holes

2 : the act or action of going below the horizon

the set of the sun

3 : an electronic apparatus

a television set

4 : a collection of mathematical elements

5 : a group of tennis games that make up a match

6 : the form or movement of the body or of its parts

the set of the shoulders

7 : an artificial setting for a scene of a play or motion picture

set

adjective

1 : fixed by authority

a set rule

2 : not very willing to change

The people he works with are set in their ways.

3 : ¹ready 1

Are you all set?

Medical Dictionary

set

verb \ ˈset \

set; setting

transitive verb

: to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured

set a broken bone

intransitive verb

1 : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration

2 of a bone : to become whole by knitting

set

noun

: a state of psychological preparedness usually of limited duration for action in response to an anticipated stimulus or situation

the influence of mental set on problem solving

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set

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Origin and Etymology of set

set Synonyms

Synonyms

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set

Examples of set in a Sentence

Recent Examples of set from the Web

First Known Use of set

set Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

set

Examples of set in a Sentence

Recent Examples of set from the Web

Origin and Etymology of set

set Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases

SET Defined for Kids

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set

set

Medical Dictionary

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