1 [with object] resolve or reach an agreement about (an argument or problem):the unions have settled their year-long dispute with Hollywood producers
end (a legal dispute) by mutual agreement:if the dispute was not settled it was possible there would be strike action [no object]:he sued for libel and then settled out of court
reach a decision about; determine:exactly what goes into the legislation has not been settled [no object]:they had not yet settled on a date for the wedding
[no object] (settle for) accept or agree to (something that one considers to be less than satisfactory):it was too cold for champagne so they settled for a cup of tea
2 [with object] pay (a debt or account):his bill was settled by charge card [no object]:I settled up with your brother for my board and lodging
(settle something on) give money or property to (someone) through a deed of settlement or a will:he offered to settle £150 a year on her
3 [no object] adopt a more steady or secure style of life, especially in a permanent job and home:one day I will settle down and raise a family
[with adverbial of place] make one’s permanent home somewhere:in 1863 the family settled in London
[with object] establish a colony in:European immigrants settled much of Australia
begin to feel comfortable or established in a new situation:he had settled into his new job
(settle down to) turn one’s attention to; apply oneself to:Catherine settled down to her studies
become or make calmer or quieter: [no object]:after a few months the controversy settled down [with object]:try to settle your puppy down before going to bed
[with object] dated silence (a troublesome person) by some means:he told me to hold my tongue or he would find a way to settle me
4 [no object, with adverbial of place] sit or come to rest in a comfortable position:he settled into an armchair
[with object and adverbial of place] make (someone) comfortable in a particular place or position:she allowed him to settle her in the taxi
[with object] move or adjust (something) so that it rests securely:she settled her bag on her shoulder
(especially of snow) fall on to a surface and remain there:traffic came to a standstill after the snow began to settledust from the mill had settled on the roof
[no object] (of suspended particles) sink slowly in a liquid to form sediment.
(of a liquid) become clear or still as suspended particles sink:he watched his pint settling
[no object] (of an object or objects) gradually sink down under its or their own weight:they listened to the soft ticking and creaking as the house settled
[no object] (of a ship) begin to sink:the craft was settling nose-down in the water
settle one's affairs (or estate)
make any necessary arrangements, such as writing a will, before one’s death.
