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

Any ranking of the sexiest subset of people is bound to be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025

While the most famous and highest-paid, the players on the field are just a small subset of the workforce that brings Fenway Park to life 81 times every summer. —Daniel A. Gilbert, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025

The Motion Picture Group, a subset of Warner Bros., is shedding staff across its production, marketing, distribution and live theater ventures, as Deadline first reported. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 31 July 2025

The report examines a subset of U.S. public pensions with a June 30th fiscal year end date that report investment returns net of fees to assess plan performance by two metrics. —Dan Doonan, Forbes.com, 28 July 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