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

Lembke pointed to rising dependence on digital media and a subset of Gen Z that rarely leaves home. —Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026

While many are now driven primarily by economic interests, a subset retains insurgent, ant-imperialist commitments. —Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026

An additional subset of countries, like Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, and the Maldives, have visa-on-arrival programs. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

For a subset of children with disruptive behaviors like physical outbursts and tantrums that last 15 minutes or more, an early warning could be truly helpful. —Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 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