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

The team made the discovery while investigating how different dietary fatty acids could influence this small subset of T cells that act as rapid-response soldiers against infection and tumor growth. —New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025

The number of lawsuits alleging talc caused mesothelioma is a small subset of these cases, with the vast majority involving ovarian cancer claims. —Reuters 14 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile only 8% were above 55 years old, a key subset for arthouse releases. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025

That left a tiny subset of the eyewear retail stores owned by Meta’s smartglass partner EssilorLuxottica, with the closest option for him on the East Side of Manhattan. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 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