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

Of the mammoth’s over 20,000 protein-coding genes, only a subset was found to be active. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025

Investors looking for global diversification opportunities should look to a specific subset of stocks in Europe, according to UBS strategists. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025

There are certain subsets of Christians who believe gay people can get married, and there are certain that don't. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025

Patients in this study are a specific subset (BCG-unresponsive and eligible for bladder preservation) and may not represent all bladder-cancer cases. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 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