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

Recent Examples on the Web
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 The flashpoint for those set-tos was TCC’s purchase of two large, derelict properties on the edge of town. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2023
Verb
Original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie are set to exec produce, while Gomez will appear in a guest role and Henrie will be back full time as a series regular. Michael Schneider, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 The agreement will see NBC’s 2024 Olympic Games launch coverage set to take place around the River Seine in Paris, rather than a sports arena, supersized for Imax screens. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2024 For example, of the 11 Universal Pictures films that have gone into production or preproduction since the strikes settled, none were shot or are set to shoot in California. Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The song comes off the rock musician’s forthcoming 12th album, Blue Electric Light, which is set to drop May 24 via Roxie Records. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2024 Designed to enhance connections among spring breakers, this innovative feature is set to transform the way individuals mingle and network during their vacations. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 Bidding for the property is set to commence on April 17th and will close on April 30th. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 The civil trial is set to begin April 8 in front of Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Julie Kaelin. The Courier-Journal, 21 Mar. 2024 Rather, the money tucked into the $1.2 trillion spending bill Congress is set to act on Friday can only be used for mental health services and counseling for kids experiencing homelessness, her office said, not the program for LGBTQ children. Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set-to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1743, 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

Dictionary Entries Near set-to

Cite this Entry

“Set-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-to. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!