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

This last subset in particular, commonly known as reinforcement learning, teaches machines to perform their tasks by rating their performance, enabling them to continuously improve through experience. —Preeti Nair, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025

Most of a casino’s revenue is generated from slot machines, and much of the slot machine revenue is generated from a small subset of gamblers. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025

Questions remain over a subset of generally older A320-family jets that will need a new computer rather than a mere software reset. —Reuters, NBC news, 1 Dec. 2025

These are subtle differences for sure, but there's a subset of photographers who prefer to use a black-and-white sensor camera. —PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 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