setting

views updated May 21 2018

set·ting / ˈseting/ • n. 1. the place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place: cozy waterfront cottage in a peaceful country setting. ∎  the place and time at which a play, novel, or film is represented as happening: short stories with a contemporary setting. ∎  a piece of metal in which a precious stone or gem is fixed to form a piece of jewelry. ∎  a piece of vocal or choral music composed for particular words: a setting of Yevtushenko's bleak poem. ∎ short for place setting.2. a speed, height, or temperature at which a machine or device can be adjusted to operate: if you find the room getting too hot, check the thermostat setting.