setter

noun

set·​ter ˈse-tər How to pronounce setter (audio)
1
: one that sets
2
: a large bird dog (such as an Irish setter) of a type trained to point on finding game

Examples of setter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This new addition is a potential trend-setter, uniquely utilizing synthetic turf for all teeing areas and green complexes. — Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Peterson seems much more like a scorer who needs a table-setter next to him, just as Kansas used him. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Dog historian Stephanie Howard-Smith confirmed that the original Canadian water dogs were crossed with existing British gun dogs, like setters, before British and Scottish breeders brought them back to North America in the 19th century. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Norm-setter The strengthening foothold of Chinese AI models globally may help China’s ambitions to lead the technology’s proliferation and regulation. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setter

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of setter was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing setter

Rhymes for setter

See All Rhymes for setter

Browse Nearby Words

settee sail
setter
settergrass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Setter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setter. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

setter

noun
set·​ter ˈset-ər How to pronounce setter (audio)
1
: someone or something that sets
2
: a large long-coated dog (as an Irish setter) used in hunting birds that is trained to point on finding game

More from Merriam-Webster on setter

Nglish: Translation of setter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about setter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All