settle
5 ENTRIES FOUND:
settles;
settled;
settling
settles;
settled;
settling
Britannica Dictionary definition of SETTLE
1
:
to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement
[+ object]
-
They were determined to settle the dispute/argument before going home for the day.
-
settle a case/lawsuit
-
The two sides have settled their differences.
[no object]
-
He agreed to settle out of court. [=to reach an agreement about a legal case without going to court]
2
[+ object]
:
to make a final decision about (something)
:
decide
— often used as (be) settled
-
We need to settle this question once and for all.
-
That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going.
-
It's settled then: you pay for dinner and I'll pay for the movie.
3
:
to move to a place and make it your home
— often used as (be) settled
[no object]
-
His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania.
-
He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country.
[+ object]
-
the people who settled the West
-
The region was settled by German immigrants.
-
The area was settled in the 18th century.
4
a
always followed by an adverb or preposition
:
to put or place (someone) in a comfortable position
[+ object]
-
He settled the baby into its crib.
-
She settled herself behind the wheel and pulled the car out of the driveway.
[no object]
-
He settled back into his chair.
b
[no object]
:
to begin to feel comfortable in a new place, job, position, etc.
— + in or into
-
I'm glad to finally be settling in at my new job.
-
The children are settling into their new school just fine.
5
a
[+ object]
:
to make (someone or something) quiet or calm
-
Rocking settled the baby.
-
She had a drink to settle her nerves.
b
[no object]
:
to become quiet or calm
-
I'm still waiting for my nerves to settle. [=settle down]
6
[+ object]
:
to relieve pain and discomfort in (the stomach)
-
Ginger and peppermint tea are good for settling the/your stomach.
7
[no object]
a
:
to move slowly downward
:
to sink gradually
-
The foundation of the house has settled a little.
-
an area where the ground has settled
b
:
to go or fall down to a surface
—
see also the dust settles at 1dust
-
Dust settled on the shelves.
-
The cocoa settled to the bottom of the mug.
-
Some of the contents (of the package) may have settled during shipping.
-
Fog settles [=collects] in the valley.
c
:
to stop flying, moving, etc., and rest on something
— often + on
— often used figuratively
-
The birds settled on a branch.
-
His eyes settled on the woman in the red dress. [=his eyes stopped moving and he looked at the woman in the red dress]
-
A hush settled on the crowd. = A hush settled over the room. [=everyone in the crowd/room became quiet]
-
Boredom settled on the faces of the students. [=the students began to look bored]
8
:
to pay money that is owed
[no object]
— often + with or up
-
Before moving he settled with the utility company.
-
We can settle up later.
[+ object]
-
We settled the bill.
-
When do you intend to settle your account? [=pay what you owe]
9
[+ object]
a
:
to arrange who will be given control or ownership of (a property, business, etc.)
-
She had to settle her aunt's estate after her death.
b
:
to put (something) in order so that nothing else needs to be done
-
He settled his affairs before entering the army.
settle a/the score
settle down
[phrasal verb]
1
a
:
to become quiet, calm, or orderly
-
Settle down, children.
-
When things settle down here, I'll come for a visit.
b
settle (someone or something) down
or
settle down (someone or something)
:
to make (someone or something) quiet, calm, or orderly
-
He managed to settle the dog down long enough to give her the medicine.
2
:
to begin to live a quiet and steady life by getting a regular job, getting married, etc.
-
They swore they would never settle down and get married.
3
:
to put yourself into a comfortable position
-
She settled down on the bed.
-
He settled down for the night.
4
:
to become quiet and begin giving your attention to something
-
They quickly settled down to their work.
settle for
[phrasal verb]
settle for (something)
:
to be happy or satisfied with (something)
:
to accept (something)
-
Neither team would settle for a tie score.
-
He asked his parents if he could borrow $20 but settled for $10. [=he accepted $10 because that was all they would give him]
-
I'm determined to win the championship and I won't settle for less.
settle on/upon
[phrasal verb]
1
settle on/upon (something or someone)
:
to choose (something or someone) after thinking about other possible choices
-
We weren't sure what color we'd paint the kitchen, but we finally settled on a soft yellow.
-
Hours later, they settled on a plan.
2
settle (something) on (someone)
chiefly British
:
to arrange to give (money or property) to (someone)
-
She settled her whole fortune on her grandchildren.
2
settle
/ˈsɛtl̟/
noun
plural
settles
2
settle
/ˈsɛtl̟/
noun
plural
settles
Britannica Dictionary definition of SETTLE
[count]
:
a long wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and often with space under the seat which can be used to store things
