Dictionary Home » Webster's New World College Dictionary » settle

settle

settle¹ definition

set·tle (set′'l)

noun

a long wooden bench with a back, armrests, and sometimes a chest beneath the seat

Etymology: ME settel < OE setl (akin to Ger sessel) < IE *sedla- < base *sed- > sit

settle² definition

set·tle (set′'l)

transitive verb settled -·tled, settling -·tling

to put in order; arrange or adjust as desired to settle one's affairs
to set in place firmly or comfortably to settle oneself in a chair
to establish as a resident or residents he settled his family in London
to migrate to and set up a community in; colonize New York was settled by the Dutch
to cause to sink and become more dense and compact the rain settled the dust
to clarify (a liquid) by causing the sediment to sink to the bottom
to free (the mind, nerves, stomach, etc.) from disturbance; calm or quiet
to prevent from creating a disturbance or interfering, or from continuing in such action, as by a reprimand or a blow
to make stable or permanent; establish
to establish in business, office, work, marriage, etc.
to fix definitely; determine or decide (something in doubt)
to end (a dispute)
to pay (a bill, debt, account, etc.)
to make over (property, etc.) to someone by legal action: with on or upon
to resolve (a legal dispute) by agreement between the parties
to impregnate (a female): said of an animal

Etymology: ME setlen < OE setlan < setl, a seat: see settle

intransitive verb

to stop moving and stay in one place; come to rest
to cast itself, as darkness, fog, etc. over a landscape, or gloom or silence over a person or group; descend
to become localized in a given part of the body: said of pain or disease
to take up permanent residence; make one's home
to move downward; sink, esp. gradually the car settled in the mud
to become more dense or compact by sinking, as sediment or loose soil when shaken
to become clearer by the settling of sediment or dregs
to become more stable or composed; stop fluctuating or changing
1. to reach an agreement or decision: usually with with, on, or upon
2. ☆ to accept something in place of what is hoped for, demanded, etc.: with for he'll settle for any kind of work
to pay a bill or debt

settle Idioms

settle down

to take up permanent residence, a regular job, etc.; lead a more routine, stable life, as after marriage
to become less nervous, restless, or erratic
to become calm as by diminishing in force
to apply oneself steadily or attentively

settle up

to determine what is owed and make the necessary adjustments