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

Trump is the Carrot Top of presidents, funny to only a small subset of Americans who qualify for memberships in DENSA, the opposite of MENSA. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

But a smaller subset called high-risk HPV (hrHPV) can drive cell changes that lead to cervical cancer over time. —Marley Flueger, SELF, 27 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, millions of people will read this, and if even a teeny subset decide to become more actively involved… yipes. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026

For a subset of participants, researchers conducted phone interviews to objectively measure cognitive function with standardized testing. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Feb. 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