What does "settling" mean?

1. (sinking of a building) the slow sinking of a building or the ground into the earth over time. 2. (making a new home) the act of moving to a new place and starting a life there. 3. (finishing an agreement) the final step of finishing a business deal or paying what you owe. 4. (sediment) small pieces of solid material that sink to the bottom of a liquid.

How do you use "settling"?

Often used in the context of architecture or geology. Commonly used in legal and financial contexts regarding estates or debts.

settling

US //ˈsɛtəɫɪŋ// UK //sˈɛtlɪŋ// set·tling

1 sinking of a building (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

the slow sinking of a building or the ground into the earth over time.

the gradual downward movement or subsidence of a structure or the soil beneath it.

Example

The small cracks in the wall were just caused by the house settling over many years.

Example

Structural engineers determined that the hairline fractures in the foundation were the result of natural settling rather than a significant architectural flaw.

Usage

Often used in the context of architecture or geology.
- subsidence
- sinking
2 making a new home (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of moving to a new place and starting a life there.

the process of establishing a permanent residence or colony in a new region.

Example

The settling of the wild coast took many decades and was very difficult.

Example

Historians have extensively documented the settling of the valley, focusing on how the early inhabitants adapted to the harsh winter climate.
- colonization
- establishment
- departure

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3 finishing an agreement (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

the final step of finishing a business deal or paying what you owe.

the finalization of a legal agreement, financial account, or the payment of debts.

Example

The settling of his father's debts took several months after the funeral.

Example

The final settling of the estate was delayed by a series of complex legal challenges from distant relatives.

Usage

Commonly used in legal and financial contexts regarding estates or debts.
- resolution
- liquidation
4 sediment (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

small pieces of solid material that sink to the bottom of a liquid.

the accumulation of dregs or solid matter at the bottom of a liquid container.

Example

Wait for the settling of the particles before you pour the water into the glass.

Example

The laboratory technician monitored the settling of the suspension to ensure the clear liquid could be siphoned off without contamination.
- sediment
- dregs
- residue