inset

1 of 2

noun

in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
1
a
: a place where something flows in : channel
b
: a setting or flowing in
2
: something that is inset: such as
a
: a small graphic representation (such as a map or picture) set within a larger one
b
: a piece of cloth set into a garment (as for decoration)
c
: a part or section of a utensil that fits into an outer part

inset

2 of 2

verb

in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
in-ˈset
inset or insetted; insetting

transitive verb

1
: set in
especially : to insert within something else in such a way as to be visible
2
: to provide with an inset

Example Sentences

Noun The floor is decorated with an inset of marble tiles. velvet dresses with silk insets Verb inset a map in a larger map
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Her dress featured an iridescent black pattern, a lace bustier inset and trumpet hem. Tracey Harrington Mccoy, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2023 The face has large numbered indices with a 24 hour inset which is common for pilot-style timepieces. Men's Health, 24 Feb. 2023 As seen in the inset, the probe's heat shield is pointing toward the Sun. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2021 It’s also used on a kitchen inset wall, on countertops and covers a black and white kitchen island. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2023 Max versions of the G9 get two Lidar units mounted inset in the front fender light clusters. Mark Andrews, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2023 The horizontal grilles are inset and house the turn signals at their outer edges. Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 The star, nicknamed Icarus, is marked by the white arrow in the bottom inset image. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2018 The inset on the right, an area less than 5 kilometers across, shows hollows forming there. David Rothery, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2016
Verb
Red represents hotter dust, and the Pillars are outlined and inset. Sarah Scoles, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2015 In 2016, Gomez made his first foray into furniture design with a line of diaphanous Lucite tables inset with mandalas, circular diagrams considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. Paola Singer, ELLE Decor, 28 Sep. 2022 When Benjamin Franklin departed as minister to France, King Louis XVI presented him with a snuffbox encrusted with 408 diamonds and inset with the king’s portrait. Craig Whitlock, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2022 Merrill inset the attic’s paneled walls with wallpaper by Pierre Frey in a pattern with intricate, graphic florals that pleasantly tease the eye and, with the addition of white oak, contribute to a more modern effect. Stacie Stukin, ELLE Decor, 21 Sep. 2022 The sleeve was inset with a cascading ruffle, draped from the back of the turtleneck to the shoulder. Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2022 The 883-square-meter home is accessed through either street-facing double doors inset into a wall (large cut-outs reveal the interior courtyard)–or a carport that accommodates three vehicles. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 16 July 2022 Each tavern has its own flavor, allowing the Dungeon Master to inset it in whatever region best fits the story. Rob Wieland, Forbes, 1 July 2022 In the foyer, a white marble staircase is inset with colorful mosaics. E.b. Solomont, WSJ, 5 May 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inset was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near inset

Cite this Entry

“Inset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inset. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

inset

1 of 2 noun
in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
: something that is inset: as
a
: a small map or picture set within a larger one
b
: a piece of cloth set into a garment for decoration

inset

2 of 2 verb
in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
in-ˈset
inset or insetted; insetting

More from Merriam-Webster on inset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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