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.
The ‘Dogs sophomore setter, Kohen Kazmierczak, fed junior middle hitter Eden Knapp for two crucial kills as their team won six of the final seven points to prevail. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Freshman setter Isabella Collado stepped up in the fifth set to help the Panthers secure the victory. — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Black’s kill from the right side off an assist from senior setter Addi Candrian keyed a closing 13-3 run, which included the final five points. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Her mother said coaches encouraged the setter to learn right-side hitting before ultimately cutting her. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Setter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setter. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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