Setter typically means someone or something that sets or establishes something, but the word takes on specific meanings depending on the context.

The most common meaning refers to a type of hunting dog bred to help hunters find birds. When a setter locates birds hiding in tall grass or brush, it sets by crouching or lying down in a distinctive pose, staying completely still to show the hunter exactly where the birds are. Irish Setters, English Setters, and Gordon Setters are known for their beautiful coats and their natural instinct to freeze in place when they smell game birds. These dogs made hunting much more successful before guns became accurate, giving hunters time to get into position.

In volleyball, the setter is a crucial player who sets up the ball for teammates to spike over the net. After the first pass, the setter uses their fingertips to push the ball high into the air near the net, positioning it perfectly so a hitter can smash it down into the opponent's court. A skilled setter needs quick reflexes, good judgment, and the ability to see the whole court at once.

The word also appears in compound words like trendsetter (someone who starts new fashions or ideas that others follow) or record-setter (someone who achieves the best performance ever recorded in something). A typesetter arranges letters and words for printing, while a bone-setter is an old term for someone who treats broken bones.