subset

noun

sub·​set ˈsəb-ˌset 

1

: a set each of whose elements is an element of an inclusive set

2

: division, portion

a subset of our community

Examples of subset in a Sentence

The set {1,2,3} is a subset of the set {1,2,3,4,5}.

Only a small subset of the patients in the study experienced these side effects.

Recent Examples on the Web

The subset of patients helped by the county includes people with a wide variety of illnesses. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

In February 2025, a majority of City Council members ultimately chose to work with Terra and Frisbie, who even edged out a proposal by Related Ross, a subset of the global Related Companies founded by billionaire tycoon and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026

Again, not factoring in this subset of optimizers. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026

For a certain subset of the city’s wealthy-ish, a little shoplifting on your grocery run has become about as mundane as jaywalking. —Nora Deligter, Curbed, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

subset

noun

sub·​set ˈsəb-ˌset 

: a mathematical set that is a part of another mathematical set

the set of even numbers is a subset of the set of all numbers