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

In total, just 36% chose to include their partner on the list — of this subset, only 39% labeled their partner as their best friend. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Critical minerals refer to a subset of materials considered essential to the energy transition. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 May 2025

The new study dove deeper into a subset of the same participant pool — 5,400 who had the most complete data — to determine what factors most likely lead to either adverse effects or a positive experience. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

Notably, a small subset of participants (around 5 percent) experienced a more noticeable shift of eight days or more in their cycle length. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 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