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

Both commonly recommend soft, silicone toe spacers (in addition to other interventions, like exercises, toe socks, and more forgiving shoes) to a subset of their patients. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025

Enumerate The Jobs To Be Done A common problem is that product teams brainstorm lists of features and then select which subset to implement. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

With reelection in the general assured, candidates are focused on catering to their own party base, which tends to be a more extreme subset of their constituents. —Benjamin Schneer, Time, 14 Aug. 2025

Extended subscribers also get machine/human handling of removals for a large subset of the full site list. —PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025

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