set-to

1 of 2

noun

plural set-tos
: a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate

set to

2 of 2

verb

set to; setting to; sets to

intransitive verb

1
: to begin actively and earnestly
2
: to begin fighting

Examples of set-to in a Sentence

Noun they had a brief set-to about money, but they seem to have resolved it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Into this unholy mess blunders Juan (Juan Amador), bearing the gushing stigmata of a violent set-to in a Sacramento bar. Reed Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 His truest, ugliest self tends to emerge in his increasingly frequent set-tos with Linda, whose impatience with his documentary persona gradually wears through even her considerable acting ability. Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2023
Verb
Particularly when set to the Maybach-only suspension/powertrain calibration, the car just glides even over the horrible roads of Southern California. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Trump is set to fly to the UK on Tuesday for a second state visit, which is expected to last three days. Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for set-to

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of set-to was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-to. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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