1 : to end (something, such as an argument) by reaching an agreement [+ obj] ▪ 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 obj] ▪ He agreed to settle out of court. [=to reach an agreement about a legal case without going to court] 2 [+ obj] : to make a final decision about (something) : decide
▪ 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. — often used as (be) settled ▪ 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 [no obj] ▪ His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania. ▪ He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country. [+ obj] ▪ the people who settled the West — often used as (be) settled ▪ 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 [+ obj] ▪ He settled the baby into its crib. ▪ She settled herself behind the wheel and pulled the car out of the driveway. [no obj] ▪ He settled back into his chair.
b [no obj] : 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 [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) quiet or calm
▪ Rocking settled the baby. ▪ She had a drink to settle her nerves.
b [no obj] : to become quiet or calm
▪ I'm still waiting for my nerves to settle. [=settle down] 6 [+ obj] : to relieve pain and discomfort in (the stomach)
▪ Ginger and peppermint tea are good for settling the/your stomach. 7 [no obj] 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
▪ 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. — see also the dust settles at ¹dust
c : to stop flying, moving, etc., and rest on something — often + on ▪ 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] — often used figuratively ▪ 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 obj] — often + with or up ▪ Before moving he settled with the utility company. ▪ We can settle up later. [+ obj] ▪ We settled the bill. ▪ When do you intend to settle your account? [=pay what you owe] 9 [+ obj] 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.