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

One conundrum that lingers in the marketplace is that some indie theatrical distributors are without a pay-one deal/streaming partner, and the subset that’s willing to pony up — sellers cite Hulu, HBO Max and Starz — is quite small and capped in cash. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

Southwest’s planes don’t offer power outlets and only a subset of them include USB ports. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

Many tech providers build products with their early adopters in mind, but this subset doesn’t always ultimately reflect the whole user base. —Marne Martin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Although up to half of all cases show no obvious clinical signs, its complications including irregular heart rhythms, blood clotting, and even heart failure can turn fatal very suddenly for a smaller subset of patients. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 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