set; setting; sets
1
: to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2
a
: to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them
b
: to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3
: to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4
a
: to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability
set a ladder against the wall
set a stone on the grave
b
: transplant sense 1
set seedlings
c(1)
: to make (a trap) ready to catch prey
(2)
: to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish
d
: to put aside (something, such as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5
: to direct with fixed attention
set your mind to it
6
a
: to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation
The bird was treated and then set free.
They accidentally set the house on fire.
b
: to cause the start of
set a fire
8
: to cause to assume a specified posture or position
set the door ajar
9
10
: to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : prescribe
set a wedding day
set the rules for the game
11
a
: to establish as the highest level or best performance
set a record for the half mile
b
: to furnish as a pattern or model
set an example of generosity
c
: to allot as a task
… setting lessons for the children to work upon at home …—
Manchester Examiner
Manchester Examiner12
a
: to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position
set the alarm for 7:00
set a thermostat at 68
also
: to adjust (something, such as a clock) in conformity with a standard
b
: to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured
set a broken bone
c
: to spread to the wind
set the sails
13
a
: to put in order for use
set a place for a guest
b
: to make scenically ready for a performance
set the stage
c(1)
: to arrange (type) for printing
set type by hand
(2)
: to put into type or its equivalent (as on film)
set the first word in italic
14
a
: to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing
set a razor
b
: to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions
c
: to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15
: to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16
: to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (such as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17
18
a
: to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of
sets a great deal by daily exercise
b
: to place in a relative rank or category
set duty before pleasure
c
: to fix at a certain amount
set bail at $500
e
: to place as an estimate of worth
set a high value on life
19
: to place in relation for comparison or balance
theory set against practice
20
a
: to direct to action
b
: to incite to attack or antagonism
war sets brother against brother
21
a
: to place by transporting
was set ashore on the island
b
: to put in motion
c
: to put and fix in a direction
set our faces toward home once more
d
of a dog
: to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22
: to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23
a
: to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to
set her jaw in determination
b
: to make unyielding or obstinate
24
: to cause to become firm or solid
set milk for cheese
25
: to cause (fruit or seed) to develop
1
chiefly dialectal
: sit
2
: to be becoming : be suitable : fit
the coat sets well
3
: to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4
a
: to affect one with or as if with weight
the pudding sets heavily on my stomach
b
: to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (such as running)
5
of a plant part
: to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6
a
: to pass below the horizon : go down
the sun sets
b
: to come to an end
… this century sets with little mirth …—Thomas Fuller
Thomas Fuller7
: to apply oneself to some activity
set to work
8
9
of a dog
: to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10
: to dance face to face with another in a square dance
set to your partner and turn
11
a
: to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration
the cement sets rapidly
b
of a dye or color
: to become permanent
c
of a bone
: to become whole by growing together
1
a
: the act or action of setting
b
: the condition of being set
2
: a number of things of the same kind that belong or are used together
an electric train set
3
a
: mental inclination, tendency, or habit : bent
a set toward mathematics
b
: a state of psychological preparedness to perceive or respond to an anticipated stimulus or situation
4
: direction of flow
the set of the wind
5
: form or carriage of the body or of its parts
her face took on a cynical set—Raymond Kennedy
Raymond Kennedy6
: the manner of fitting or of being placed or suspended
in order to give the skirt a pretty set—Mary J. Howell
Mary J. Howell7
: amount of deflection from a straight line
set of a saw's teeth
8
: permanent change of form (as of metal) due to repeated or excessive stress
9
: the act or result of arranging hair by curling or waving
10
or less commonly sett
a
: a young plant or rooted cutting ready for transplanting
b
: a small bulb, corm, or tuber or a piece of tuber used for propagation
onion sets
c
: the blossoms of a plant that have set fruit as a result of fertilization
11
or sett
: the burrow of a badger
12
: the width of the body of a piece of type
13
: an artificial setting for a scene of a theatrical or film production
14
or less commonly sett
: a rectangular paving stone of sandstone or granite
15
: a division of a tennis match won by the side that wins at least six games beating the opponent by two games or by winning a tiebreaker
16
: a collection of books or periodicals forming a unit
17
: a clutch of eggs
18
: the basic formation in a country-dance or square dance
19
: a session of music (such as jazz or dance music) usually followed by an intermission
also
: the music played at one session
20
: a group of persons associated by common interests
21
: a collection of elements and especially mathematical ones (such as numbers or points)
called also class
22
: an apparatus of electronic components assembled so as to function as a unit
a television set
23
: a usually offensive formation in football or basketball
24
: a group of a specific number of repetitions of a particular exercise
1
: intent, determined
set upon going
2
: intentional, premeditated
did it of set purpose
3
: fixed by authority, appointment, or agreement
The wedding is set [=scheduled] for early June
Students can drop in during set [=designated] office hours
4
: reluctant to change
set in their ways
6
: settled, persistent
set defiance
7
a
: ready for action, use, etc. : prepared
We were set for an early morning start
The table is set. Should I bring out the food?
—often used in the phrase all setAre we all set [=completely ready] to leave?
We replaced the belt, so your car should be all set. [=fully functional and ready for use]
She's all set to blast him, all set to wipe that anxious smile off his face, to tell him some hard home truths. And then she stops. She can't do it.—Norma Fox Mazer
Norma Fox Mazer
b
: needing or wanting nothing further
"Would you like more coffee?" "No thanks, I'm set."
The leak is fixed, so you should be set now.
After winning the lottery, they were set for life
—often used in the phrase all set"Would you like more coffee?" "No thanks, I'm all set."
Can I help you find something, or are you all set?
Is the bill all set, or do you need some change?
Phrases
set about
: to begin to do
1
: to reserve to a particular use
2
: to make noticeable or outstanding
: to mount an attack on : assail
I would go although … devils should set at me …—Charlotte Yonge
Charlotte Yonge
: to catch sight of
: enter
: to step onto
1
: to give an account or statement of
2
: to start out on a journey
1
: further
2
: to start out on a journey
: to give impulse to
… sets the story in motion vividly …—Howard Thompson
Howard Thompson
: to become engaged in
: resolve sense transitive 5
she set her heart on going to medical school
: to organize one's affairs
: to determine to pursue
: to correct someone by providing accurate information
: to start out on a course
especially
: to begin a voyage
set sail for Bermuda
: to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
: to provide the basis or background
this trend will set the stage for higher earnings
: to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
: to attack usually with violence
the dogs set upon the trespassers
Examples of set in a Sentence
Verb
We need to set some extra chairs around the table.
He set the ladder against the wall and walked away.
I remember setting my bag right here.
They set the bricks along the walkway.
The jeweler can set the stone several different ways.
He turned off the car and set the parking brake.
Rangers will set a trap to catch the bear.
We set an extra place at the table for our guest.
Noun
I need to buy a new set of golf clubs.
The kids are allowed to watch two hours of television. After that, I turn off the set.
We met on the set of Hamlet.
Adjective
Her college is set in the countryside.
Their house is set back from the road.
a man with deep-set eyes
She has very set ideas about how children should behave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Simmone Shah, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Paul was released on a $50,000 bond and had a trial date set for July 10, 2021.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Similar to a good pair of slippers, there’s something irresistibly cozy and luxe about a matching loungewear set.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The 2x Golden Globe nominee teased the upcoming revival with a set photo of himself with Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield, who reprise their roles as Malcolm’s brothers Francis and Reese.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set
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.
Verb
Twelve of the 20 indicators for the health risks and impacts of climate change in the report set concerning new records—showing that the health impacts caused by our changing climate have reached unprecedented levels that cannot be ignored.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Paul was released on a $50,000 bond and had a trial date set for July 10, 2021.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
The former Fox News personality blasted Curtis for clarifying a set of comments regarding the conservative activist's killing on Wednesday's episode of The Megyn Kelly Show.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Similar to a good pair of slippers, there’s something irresistibly cozy and luxe about a matching loungewear set.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Both are by appointment and do not have a set closing date, with little promotion or push for press.
—Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The 2x Golden Globe nominee teased the upcoming revival with a set photo of himself with Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield, who reprise their roles as Malcolm’s brothers Francis and Reese.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set
Cite this Entry
“Set.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
set
1 of 3 verb
set; setting
1
: to cause to sit
2
: to give (a fowl) eggs to hatch or provide (eggs) with suitable conditions for hatching
3
a
: to put or fix in a place, condition, or position
set a dish on the table
set a trap
set a watch
b
: to place (a story or performance) in a specified setting
a book set in a small town
4
: to direct with fixed attention
had set my heart on a new bike
5
: to cause to be, become, or do
prisoners were set free
6
: to start on purpose
set a fire
7
: to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation
set a price
set a wedding day
8
a
: to establish as the best performance
set a record
b
: to furnish as a pattern or model
set an example
9
: to restore to normal position or connection
set a broken bone
10
a
: to put in order for immediate use
set the table
b
: to put in order for printing
set type by hand
c
: to put into type or something like type (as on photographic film)
set the first word in italic
11
: to wave, curl, or arrange hair by wetting and drying
12
: to fix in a setting or frame
set diamonds in a ring
13
: value entry 2 sense 1, rate
set the loss at $2000
14
: to put and fix in a direction
set our faces toward home once more
15
: to fix firmly : give rigid form to
set his jaw in determination
16
: to become or cause to become firm or solid
the gelatin is setting
17
: to form and bring to maturity
the old tree still sets a good crop of apples
18
chiefly dialect
: sit sense 1a, b
19
: to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
the hen has been setting for several days
20
: to pass below the horizon
the sun sets
21
: to apply oneself to some activity
set to work
22
: to have a certain direction in motion : flow
23
: to become permanent
if you don't wash that fast the stain will set
set
2 of 3 noun1
a
: the act or action of setting
b
: the condition of being set
2
: a number of persons or things of the same kind that belong or are used together
the social set
a set of dishes
3
: direction of flow
the set of the wind
4
: the form or movement of the body or of its parts
the set of the shoulders
5
: an artificial setting for a scene of a play or movie
6
: a group of tennis games that make up a match
7
: a group of mathematical elements (as numbers or points)
8
: an electronic device
a television set
set
3 of 3 adjective1
: showing great determination
set against going
2
: fixed by authority
a set rule
3
: not very willing to change
set in their ways
4
a
: fixed sense 1a, rigid
a set smile
b
: built-in
a set tub for washing
5
: prepared for use or action : ready
are you all set?
Medical Definition
set
1 of 2 verb
set; setting
: to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured
set a broken bone
1
: to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration
2
of a bone
: to become whole by knitting
set
2 of 2 noun
: a state of psychological preparedness usually of limited duration for action in response to an anticipated stimulus or situation
the influence of mental set on problem solving
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