set

verb

\ ˈset

set; setting

Definition of set

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

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

2a : 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

4a : 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 sense 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

6a : 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

7a : 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

9a : 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

11a : 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

12a : 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

13a : 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

14a : 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

17a : 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

18a : 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

20a : to direct to action

b : to incite to attack or antagonism war sets brother against brother

21a : 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

23a : 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

4a : 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

6a : 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

11a : 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 sense 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

set

noun

Definition of set (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : 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

3a : 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 \ 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

set

adjective

Definition of set (Entry 3 of 3)

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

5a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about set

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Synonyms & Antonyms for set

Synonyms: Verb

brood, hatch, incubate, sit

Synonyms: Noun

bloc, block, body, coalition, faction, party, sect, side, wing

Synonyms: Adjective

fit, go, prepared, ready

Antonyms: Adjective

flat-footed, half-baked, half-cocked, underprepared, unprepared, unready

Examples of set in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Noun

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.

Adjective

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 on the Web: Noun

The main concert sports sets from rising stars like Ateez, Stray Kids and Loona, alongside a bevy of idol meet-and-greets, Korean beauty tutorials and dance workshops. — Los Angeles Times, "At KCON L.A., frank talk about mental health amid the ear-splitting meet-and-greets," 16 Aug. 2019 While Ole Gunnar Solskjær is dead-set against any such move; the gravitational pull of Los Blancos is very strong and there could yet be more twists and turns in this one before the end of the window. — SI.com, "Transfer Window: Neymar, Philippe Coutinho & the Moves That Could Still Happen This Summer," 16 Aug. 2019 The dining room set, the bar in the living room, some lamps, the bar stools at the island, and a desk in the office. — Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This 2,750-square-foot condo overlooking Lake Michigan was a downsize, but still has plenty of room for Picasso and other artworks," 15 Aug. 2019 Officers went from house to house and collected most of the unwanted sets, WTVR-TV reported. — Fox News, "‘TV man’ mysteriously leaves old television sets at Virginia homes," 15 Aug. 2019 True to its name, the Mixtape tour alternates sets between artists, and everyone takes the stage multiple times. — Rebecca Schuman, Longreads, "I’ll Be Loving You Forever," 14 Aug. 2019 The Xavier University commit had a season-best 25 kills in a four-set victory over Reading. — Shelby Dermer, Cincinnati.com, "Who's among the 2019 All-Enquirer Ohio preseason volleyball team?," 14 Aug. 2019 By 1954, over half of US households owned a television set, and by the early 1960s, the figure had reached 90 percent. — Joanna Scutts, Curbed, "The shows we’ve lived by," 14 Aug. 2019 The proposal, a set of regulations from the state Department of Education, aims to ensure that private schools provide instruction that is at least as good as the education in public schools. — Josefin Dolsten, sun-sentinel.com, "New York Orthodox schools are fighting secular education proposal," 13 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

One of the festival, but unfortunately their set times overlap. — Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, "Outside Lands set times announced: Here are 5 biggest conflicts," 25 July 2019 Adaptive cruise control: Braking and throttle control to keep the car at a set speed and distance behind other vehicles. — Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, "These car features could prevent your next crash," 10 June 2019 Gray argued that one of Donnelly’s friends set things off by hurling a gay slur at the younger crew. — Sarah Horner, Twin Cities, "Guilty verdict in trial of 22-year-old man who assaulted man outside State Fair," 19 July 2019 The annual Teddy Abrams And Friends set is something completely unique to Forecastle. — Chris Kenning, The Courier-Journal, "Who is a must-see at this year's Forecastle? These Louisville music experts weigh in," 3 July 2019 Check it out as well as the full set track list, and look out for Sasha back at fabric for a special release party June 30. — Kat Bein, Billboard, "Sasha Drops Baile Remix, One of Two Unreleased Songs in 'fabric 99' Set: Exclusive," 12 June 2018 Adaptive cruise control: Braking and throttle control to keep the car at a set speed and distance behind other vehicles. — Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, "These car features could prevent your next crash," 10 June 2019 Adaptive cruise control: Braking and throttle control to keep the car at a set speed and distance behind other vehicles. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "These car features could prevent your next crash," 8 June 2019 In mid- and low-end processors, the processor is locked to only run at a set speed. — Richard Baguley, Ars Technica, "Review: Intel’s 9th Gen Core i9 9900K processor hits 5GHz—just at a price," 17 Nov. 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.

History and Etymology for set

Verb

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

Adjective

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

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Dictionary Entries near set

Statistics for set

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Time Traveler for set

The first known use of set was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for set

set

verb

\ ˈset

set; setting

Kids Definition of set

(Entry 1 of 3)

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 : start entry 1 sense 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 sense 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

Kids Definition of set (Entry 2 of 3)

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

Kids Definition of set (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : fixed by authority a set rule

2 : not very willing to change The people he works with are set in their ways.

3 : ready entry 1 sense 1 Are you all set?

set

verb

\ ˈset

set; setting

Medical Definition of set

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

Medical Definition of set (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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