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

However, a smaller subset of patients develop early-onset symptoms before age 50. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026

Like any activity that combines money, uncertainty and risk, prediction markets can lead to compulsive behaviors in a subset of users. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026

In some cases, the subsets of cells that CAR-Ts target can also be narrowed, so that only the body’s most problematic cells are taken out of commission, while healthy immune cells remain intact. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

During a recent focus group of twenty Gen Z Republicans conducted by the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, a subset of participants were asked to share their thoughts on Hitler. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 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