setter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to slightly formal; technical in specific domains (e.g., sports, printing, concrete).
Quick answer
What does “setter” mean?
A type of dog trained to find game birds and freeze in a crouching position (set) to indicate their location.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of dog trained to find game birds and freeze in a crouching position (set) to indicate their location.
A person or thing that sets something; a device or tool used for adjusting, establishing, or hardening something. Often used as an agent noun (e.g., a trend-setter, a type-setter).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core dog breed meaning is equally common. 'Setter' as a sports official (e.g., in volleyball) is more common in American English. Compounds like 'type-setter' are historical in both, but 'tilesetter' is a standard job title in AmE.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of precision, establishment, and initiation. In BrE, the dog breed association may be slightly more salient in everyday language.
Frequency
Overall low-to-medium frequency, with spikes in specific professional or sporting contexts. Compounded forms (e.g., 'trendsetter') are more frequent than the standalone word.
Grammar
How to Use “setter” in a Sentence
[Noun] + setter (agent noun pattern)setter + of + [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “setter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable - 'setter' is a noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company or person establishing standards or trends (e.g., 'The firm is a price setter in the industry').
Academic
Used in sociology/politics (e.g., 'agenda-setter'), or historical contexts (e.g., 'type-setter').
Everyday
Primarily refers to the breed of dog. Compounds like 'trendsetter' are common.
Technical
Specific uses: in sports (volleyball position), construction (tile setter), printing (historical), and materials science (e.g., 'concrete setter').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “setter”
- Misspelling as 'setter' (correct) vs. 'settor'.
- Using 'setter' for a generic installer (e.g., 'AC setter') sounds unnatural; use 'installer' or 'technician'.
- Confusing 'setter' (noun) with 'to set' (verb) in sentence construction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the dog breed is a common meaning, 'setter' is a productive agent noun meaning 'one who or that which sets something' (e.g., trendsetter, tilesetter).
No. 'Setter' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to set'.
'Installer' is a general term for someone who puts equipment in place. 'Setter' is more specific and often implies establishing a standard, pattern, or precise arrangement (e.g., tile setter, type setter).
In American English, it's pronounced /ˈsɛdər/, where the 'tt' sounds like a soft 'd' (flapped/tapped 't').
A type of dog trained to find game birds and freeze in a crouching position (set) to indicate their location.
Setter is usually neutral to slightly formal; technical in specific domains (e.g., sports, printing, concrete). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set a (good/bad) example (related to 'setter' in its agent role)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A SETTER SETS things: a dog SETS (crouches) to point at birds; a person SETS trends, tiles, or type.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESTABLISHING IS SETTING / INITIATING IS SETTING (e.g., 'pace-setter', 'agenda-setter').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'setter'?