settles; settled; settling
1
: to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement
They were determined to settle the dispute/argument before going home for the day.
settle a case/lawsuit
The two sides have settled their differences.
He agreed to settle out of court. [=to reach an agreement about a legal case without going to court]
2
: to make a final decision about (something) : decide
We need to settle this question once and for all.
That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going.
—often used as (be) settledIt's settled then: you pay for dinner and I'll pay for the movie.
3
: to move to a place and make it your home
His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania.
He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country.
the people who settled the West
—often used as (be) settledThe region was settled by German immigrants.
The area was settled in the 18th century.
4
a
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to put or place (someone) in a comfortable position
He settled the baby into its crib.
She settled herself behind the wheel and pulled the car out of the driveway.
He settled back into his chair.
b
: to begin to feel comfortable in a new place, job, position, etc.
—+ in or into
I'm glad to finally be settling in at my new job.
The children are settling into their new school just fine.
5
a
: to make (someone or something) quiet or calm
Rocking settled the baby.
She had a drink to settle her nerves.
b
: to become quiet or calm
I'm still waiting for my nerves to settle. [=settle down]
6
: to relieve pain and discomfort in (the stomach)
Ginger and peppermint tea are good for settling the/your stomach.
7
a
: to move slowly downward : to sink gradually
The foundation of the house has settled a little.
an area where the ground has settled
b
: to go or fall down to a surface
Dust settled on the shelves.
The cocoa settled to the bottom of the mug.
Some of the contents (of the package) may have settled during shipping.
Fog settles [=collects] in the valley.
c
: to stop flying, moving, etc., and rest on something
—often + on
The birds settled on a branch.
His eyes settled on the woman in the red dress. [=his eyes stopped moving and he looked at the woman in the red dress]
—often used figurativelyA hush settled on the crowd. = A hush settled over the room. [=everyone in the crowd/room became quiet]
Boredom settled on the faces of the students. [=the students began to look bored]
8
: to pay money that is owed
—often + with or up
Before moving he settled with the utility company.
We can settle up later.
We settled the bill.
When do you intend to settle your account? [=pay what you owe]
9
a
: to arrange who will be given control or ownership of (a property, business, etc.)
She had to settle her aunt's estate after her death.
b
: to put (something) in order so that nothing else needs to be done
He settled his affairs before entering the army.
plural settles
: a long wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and often with space under the seat which can be used to store things
Cite this Entry
“Settle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/settle. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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