1
: placed, located, or built as a part of some other construction
a set-in bookcase
a set-in washbasin
2
: cut separately and stitched in
set-in sleeves
set in; setting in; sets in
: insert
especially
: to stitch (a small part) within a large article
set in a sleeve of a dress
: to become established
Examples of set-in in a Sentence
Verb
a cold spell set in sometime last week
Recent Examples on the Web
Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025
By contrast, the handheld tool and abrasive brass scrubbing brush became our go-to tool for removing set-in grout stains and soap scum without disturbing smooth tile surfaces.
—Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
When treating set-in stains, using a laundry brush lends more mechanical action to the stain-removal process.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Deep cleaning fabrics: Fabrics that are dingy or yellowed from age or product buildup, or that have deeply set-in stains, can be restored using oxygen bleach.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 28 July 2024
Ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime and tough set-in stains, it can also be used for shirts, towels, workout gear and more for versatile use on the go.
—Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
The Daily Shirt is aptly designed for paddling, thanks to set-in sleeves and minimal stitching and seams throughout.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2023
The dress has a crew neckline, set-in sleeves, and a functional front pocket.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023
Traditional lending can often unintentionally box out small-business owners with stringent and set-in-stone requirements.
—Xan Myburgh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
But other Democrats say Newsom’s problems are less about the fires and more about perceptions that had been set-in while before Trump’s second win, but are perhaps even more problematic now.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025
By contrast, the handheld tool and abrasive brass scrubbing brush became our go-to tool for removing set-in grout stains and soap scum without disturbing smooth tile surfaces.
—Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
When treating set-in stains, using a laundry brush lends more mechanical action to the stain-removal process.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Deep cleaning fabrics: Fabrics that are dingy or yellowed from age or product buildup, or that have deeply set-in stains, can be restored using oxygen bleach.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
Even the toughest, set-in grease stains can be effectively banished with the help of a few household products and a little know-how.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 28 July 2024
Ideal for removing everyday dirt and grime and tough set-in stains, it can also be used for shirts, towels, workout gear and more for versatile use on the go.
—Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
The Daily Shirt is aptly designed for paddling, thanks to set-in sleeves and minimal stitching and seams throughout.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2023
The dress has a crew neckline, set-in sleeves, and a functional front pocket.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023
Noun
In certain quarters, this space included, the pitch clock’s biggest challenge figured to come from the saltiest, set-in-their-ways veterans chafing at being told to move it along, service time be damned.
—Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023
Traditional lending can often unintentionally box out small-business owners with stringent and set-in-stone requirements.
—Xan Myburgh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Set-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set-in. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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