# settling

/ˈsɛtəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈɛtlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/settling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sinking of a building

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

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

### 2. making a new home

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The settling of the wild coast took many decades and was very difficult.
- Historians have extensively documented the settling of the valley, focusing on how the early inhabitants adapted to the harsh winter climate.

### 3. finishing an agreement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

### 4. sediment

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- Wait for the settling of the particles before you pour the water into the glass.
- The laboratory technician monitored the settling of the suspension to ensure the clear liquid could be siphoned off without contamination.

## Examples

- The old house makes noise because of the settling of the foundation.
- After six months in the new city, the settling process felt complete and she finally felt at home.
- Structural engineers must account for the natural settling of the soil to prevent cracks from appearing in the masonry of large buildings over time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.