setting

noun

set·​ting ˈse-tiŋ 

1

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

2

: the frame or bed in which a gem is set

also : style of mounting

3

a

: the time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops

b

: the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work

c

: the scenery used in a theatrical or film production

4

: the music composed for a text (such as a poem)

5

: the articles of tableware for setting a place at table

two settings of sterling silver

6

: a batch of eggs for incubation

Synonyms

• environment
• surroundings
• atmosphere
• surround
• environs
• context
• climate

Choose the Right Synonym for setting

background, setting, environment, milieu, mise-en-scène mean the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs.

background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

Examples of setting in a Sentence

This would be a beautiful setting for a picnic.

He tends to be shy in social settings.

dining in a casual setting

The movie changes the play's setting from the late 18th century to the year 2000.

She uses modern-day Los Angeles as the setting for her book.

Save money by turning the temperature settings up in the summer and down in the winter.

She just learned how to change the settings on her camera.

Recent Examples on the Web

But if the thought of freezing cold isolation and bunk pods sounds more like punishment than adventure, Mongolia’s Gobi already offers glimpses of the otherworldly in a far more comfortable setting. —Rosanna Philpott, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

Each resort also features modern fitness centers within the setting of lush mangrove forests and freshwater canals alongside the Caribbean Sea. —AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025

Ethan Hawke plays Hart; the setting, for the most part, is Sardi’s, the Broadway hangout where directors and actors would gather, post-performance on opening night, to wait for the reviews to roll in. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

The 8,500-square-foot property—complete with gardens, a pool, and a separate guesthouse—became the setting for her surprise 2015 wedding to Theroux, cleverly disguised as a birthday party for him and attended by about 70 close friends. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing setting

• place setting
• setting circle
• setting-up exercise
• trend-setting

Rhymes for setting

• betting
• fretting
• getting
• jetting
• letting
• netting
• petting
• retting
• sweating
• vetting
• wetting
• abetting

Kids Definition

setting

noun

set·​ting

ˈset-iŋ

1

: the manner, position, or direction in which something is set

change a thermostat setting

2

: a frame or holder in which something is mounted

a setting for a diamond

3

: the background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance

4

: the articles of tableware required for setting a place at table

two settings of silver

5

: a batch of eggs for hatching