facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfa-sət 

1

: a particular part or aspect (as of something being contemplated or considered)

Each facet of the problem requires careful analysis.

2

: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration

3

: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium

Houseflies have about 350 facets per eye, while dragonflies have a whopping 30,000.

—Brad Wetzler

4

: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)

the articular facet of a rib

faceted adjective

or facetted

ˈfa-sə-təd 

Synonyms of facet

• aspect
• side
• hand

Examples of facet in a Sentence

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.

the different facets of our culture

Which facet of his character is most appealing?

the facets of a diamond

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout its 195-year history, Woolrich has explored many different facets of its universe rooted in the celebrations of Americana, but Boglione believes there’s room for deepening those historical links while deemphasizing recent moves toward high-tech and performance gear. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

Karten is right; these days, companies like Polymarket and its competitor Kalshi have gamified every facet of our politics and culture. —Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026

Experience different facets of regional culture. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

The coach, who has already developed a workaholic reputation at Penguins headquarters, is always on the move, actively taking a role in seemingly every facet of practice, engaging players in conversation and heading from one room to the next at the UPMC Lemieux practice facility. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French facette "individual surface (of an object with many surfaces, as a gem)," going back to Middle French fasette, from face face entry 1 + -ette -ette

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing facet

• star facet

Rhymes for facet

• basset
• dacite
• tacit

Kids Definition

facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfas-ət 

1

: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)

2

: a definable aspect of something

explained all facets of the company

3

: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye

faceted

ˈfas-ət-əd

adjective

Medical Definition

facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfas-ət 

ˌfa-ˈset

: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface

the articular facet of a bone

faceted adjective

or facetted

ˈfas-ət-əd