setting
SEH-tihng
Setting (noun) means the place, time, and circumstances in which something happens, such as a story or event. Example: “The film's setting is a quiet fishing village by the sea.”
noun
1
The place, time, and circumstances in which something happens, such as a story or event.
"The film's setting is a quiet fishing village by the sea."
"The novel's setting is a small town in the 1950s."
"The wedding took place in a beautiful outdoor setting."
2
A specific level or position that a control or device is adjusted to.
"Switch the washing machine to a low setting for delicate clothes."
"Is the brightness setting on your phone too high?"
"Turn the oven to the highest heat setting."
3
The metal frame that holds a gemstone in a piece of jewelry.
"She had the old ring reset in a simpler silver setting."
"The jeweller repaired the loose setting before the stone fell out."
"The diamond was held in a delicate gold setting."
How to use setting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhere and when something takes place, an adjustable level on a device, or the mount that holds a gem.
Common pairings
change the setting
a rural setting
ring setting
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Word forms
- Plural
- settings
Fill the gap
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The film's _____ is a quiet fishing village by the sea.
Etymology
From set + -ing.
Synonyms
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backdrop
location
scene
environment
surroundings
context
background
mount
scope
circumstance
mise en scene
stage setting
Related words
Rhymes for setting
petting
wetting
getting
letting
betting
netting
vetting
abetting
fretting
upsetting
resetting
forgetting
See all rhymes for setting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “setting” mean?
The word “setting” means the place, time, and circumstances in which something happens, such as a story or event. In plain terms, where and when something takes place, an adjustable level on a device, or the mount that holds a gem.
How do you pronounce “setting”?
“Setting” is pronounced SEH-tihng (/ˈsɛtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “setting” in a sentence?
Here is “setting” used in a sentence: “The novel's setting is a small town in the 1950s.”
What part of speech is “setting”?
“Setting” is a noun.
Is “setting” a common word?
“Setting” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “setting” have?
“Setting” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the place, time, and circumstances in which something happens, such as a story or event.
What is the setting of a story?
The setting is the time, place, and circumstances in which a story unfolds. It covers the historical period, the geographic location, the physical surroundings, and the social or cultural background. More than a backdrop, setting shapes the mood, influences the characters, and makes the events feel believable to the reader.
What is the difference between setting and plot?
Setting is where and when a story happens, its place, time, and circumstances. Plot is what happens, the sequence of events and how they connect. Setting is the stage, while plot is the action performed on it. A story needs both, but they answer different questions: where versus what.
What are the elements of a setting?
A full setting usually includes the time period or era, the geographic location, the immediate physical environment, the weather or atmosphere, and the social and cultural context. Together these details tell the reader not just where and when events occur, but what that world actually feels like to inhabit.
Why is setting important in a story?
Setting grounds a story in a believable world, giving events a time and place to unfold. It shapes the mood, influences how characters behave, and can even drive the plot, since a blizzard or a war creates conflict of its own. A vivid setting immerses readers and makes fiction feel real.
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