settlement
settlement Lexical Profile
settlement Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict, or a sum of money paid as part of such an agreement.
"The two companies reached an out-of-court settlement after months of negotiation."
A place, typically one that has hitherto been uninhabited, where people establish a community; a small village or colony.
"Archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient agricultural settlement near the river."
The process of establishing permanent residence in a new territory, region, or country.
"The railroad greatly accelerated the settlement of the western frontier."
The action of paying a debt, account, or financial obligation in full.
"Please enclose a check in full settlement of your outstanding invoice."
The gradual sinking or subsidence of a building or its foundation as the underlying soil compresses over time.
"The engineer confirmed that the hairline cracks in the plaster were caused by normal foundation settlement."
• Rhymes for settlement
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 17th century from the verb 'settle' (from Old English 'setlan', meaning to seat or put in place) plus the noun-forming suffix '-ment'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.