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

Meanwhile, outside the five districts that Democrats hope to switch, there are safely Democratic districts where progressive candidates are jousting with mainstream rivals, a subset of the national party’s ideological conflict. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

There is a subset of fans very upset that Mbappe’s two goals in the third-place play-off against England secured him the Golden Boot ahead of Messi. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Divide and Conquer Discrepancy problems like Komlós’ deal with breaking sets of objects into two subsets. — Quanta Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Only a subset of larger nonprofits got temporary increases in the years that followed, according to an analysis by Candid and ABFE. — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 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