
Dictionary
1settle
verb set·tle \ˈse-təl\
: to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement
: to make a final decision about (something)
: to move to a place and make it your home
set·tledset·tling \ˈset-liŋ, ˈse-təl-iŋ\
Full Definition of SETTLE
transitive verb
1
: to place so as to stay
2
a : to establish in residence b : to furnish with inhabitants : colonize
3
a : to cause to pack down b : to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink
4
: to make quiet or orderly
5
a : to fix or resolve conclusively <settle the question> b : to establish or secure permanently <settle the order of royal succession> c : to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court d : to close (as an account) by payment often of less than is due
6
: to arrange in a desired position
7
: to make or arrange for final disposition of <settled his affairs>
8
of an animal : impregnate
intransitive verb
1
: to come to rest
2
a : to sink gradually or to the bottom b : to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum c : to become compact by sinking
3
a : to become fixed, resolved, or established <a cold settled in his chest> b : to establish a residence or colony <settled in Wisconsin> —often used with down
4
a : to become quiet or orderly b : to take up an ordered or stable life —often used with down <marry and settle down>
5
a : to adjust differences or accounts b : to come to a decision —used with on or upon <settled on a new plan> c : to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court
6
of an animal : conceive
— set·tle·able \ˈse-təl-ə-bəl, ˈset-lə-bəl\ adjective
— settle for
: to be content with
— settle one's hash
: to silence or subdue someone by decisive action
— settle the stomach
: to remove or relieve the distress or nausea of indigestion
See settle defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SETTLE
Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English setlan, from setl seat
First Known Use: 1515
Synonym Discussion of SETTLE
decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy <she decided to sell her house>. determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something <determined the cause of the problem>. settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty <the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy>. rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority <the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible>. resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something <he resolved to quit smoking>.
2settle
noun
: a long wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and often with space under the seat which can be used to store things
Full Definition of SETTLE
: a wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and an enclosed foundation which can be used as a chest
See settle defined for English-language learners
See settle defined for kids
Origin of SETTLE
Middle English, place for sitting, seat, chair, from Old English setl; akin to Old High German sezzal seat, Latin sella seat, chair, Old English sittan to sit
First Known Use: 1553
SETTLE Defined for Kids
1settle
verb set·tle \ˈse-təl\
set·tledset·tling
Definition of SETTLE for Kids
1
: to come to rest <Birds settled on a branch.> <Dust settled on the table.>
2
: to make a home <I'd like to settle in the country.>
3
: to make quiet : calm <The tea settled my nerves.>
4
: decide 1 <It's settled then—we'll each pay our own way.>
5
: to place so as to stay <I settled myself in a chair.>
6
: to sink gradually to a lower level <The foundations of the house settled.>
7
: to sink in a liquid
8
: to give attention to <Settle down to work now.>
9
: to fix by agreement <They are hoping to settle the case out of court.>
10
: to put in order <They settled their affairs.>
11
: to complete payment on <Waiter, we're ready to settle our bill.>
12
: to bring to an end <They settled their argument.>
13
: to take up a stable life <You're not a kid anymore. It's time to settle down.>
14
: to be content with <He settled for his second choice.>
2settle
noun
Definition of SETTLE for Kids
: a long wooden bench with arms and a high solid back
Medical Dictionary
settle
verb set·tle \ˈset-əl\
set·tledset·tling
Medical Definition of SETTLE
Learn More About SETTLE
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