settlement

word

/ˈsɛtəɫmənt/
SET-uhl-muhnt
/sˈɛtəlmənt/
SET-uhl-muhnt

Definition

A settlement is an official agreement that ends a dispute or a place where people go to live and build a community. It can also mean the act of paying or completing a financial matter.

Usage & Nuances

Most common in formal contexts for disputes: 'reach a settlement' and 'out-of-court settlement'. For places, it often appears in history, geography, or news: 'human settlement' or 'Israeli settlement'. In finance, it is common in business and banking: 'settlement date'. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Example Sentences

The two companies reached a settlement after the dispute.

basic

This settlement was built near the river.

basic

The bank will complete the settlement tomorrow.

basic

They’re still negotiating a settlement, so the case isn’t over yet.

natural

Archaeologists found signs of an early settlement in the valley.

natural

Once the settlement clears, the money should show up in your account.

natural