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 Boston researchers looked for signs of the condition in brains donated by 387 players who died between 2008 and 2023 — a subset of the 2,362 former NFL players who died during that period. — News Editor, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

The sportswear giant saw its listing getting dropped from the prestigious S&P 100 — a subset of 100 mega-cap, blue chip firms from the S&P 500 — although Nike continues to trade on the Big Board and remains a part of the broader S&P 500 Index. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Out of the subset of voters who have voted in all four of the most recent general elections, about 58% of them are Democrats and 40% are Republicans. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

These collectors are devoted to this specific subset of baseball memorabilia, with some, including Taylor, focused on gathering stubs that are notable for specific players. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• 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