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

And a subset of big-time traders travel far and wide every two or four years just to get in on the action, usually standing outside a venue with a board, blanket or scarf studded with rows of shiny, colorful pins. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026

Financial Analysts & Economists Crypto prices enable this subset to study correlations among crypto, equity, and commodity markets, as well as global macro trends, for forecasting and risk assessment. —Will Jones, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026

The gang is a subset of the wider Sex Money Murder gang, which itself is an offshoot of the infamous California Bloods gang. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026

The 5zzly crew is a subset of the Bloods. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026

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