set-back

US: (set′bak′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

set-back  (set′bak′), n. 

1. Surveying the interval by which a chain or tape exceeds the length being measured.
2. Building setback (def. 4).

• special use of setback

set•back  (set′bak′), n. 

1. a check to progress;
   a reverse or defeat:
   The new law was a setback.
2. Building, Architecture [Archit.] a recession of the upper part of a building from the building line, as to lighten the structure or to permit a desired amount of light and air to reach ground level at the foot of the building.
3. an act or instance of setting back:
   A nightly setback of your home thermostats can save a great deal of fuel.
4. Building Also, set-back. a downward temperature adjustment of a thermostat, esp. performed automatically, as by a timer.

• noun, nominal use of verb, verbal phrase set back 1665–75