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 report from the center, part of the New York University School of Law, found that many of the new laws target subsets of voters. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

The question the hosts were debating, by pointing to a specific subset of one immigrant group, was precisely how incompatible Indian Americans were with American culture, and by what degree Indian immigration should be discouraged. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Measurements are usually only taken on a subset of the inspection sample size. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

There is a subset of incoming college first year students, men and women, who find these organizations really appealing, and some of it is entirely understandable. — Richard Hall, Time, 7 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