1
: a particular part or aspect (as of something being contemplated or considered)
Each facet of the problem requires careful analysis.
2
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration
3
: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
Houseflies have about 350 facets per eye, while dragonflies have a whopping 30,000.—
Brad Wetzler
Brad Wetzler4
: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)
the articular facet of a rib
Examples of facet in a Sentence
Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.
the different facets of our culture
Which facet of his character is most appealing?
the facets of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web
Johnson told me that each character—even the repugnant ones—is a facet of his own personality.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
The best gifts for the women in our lives should be a celebration of their many facets and hobbies.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
The night was more of a sonic scrapbook than a concert as songs from all facets of McCartney's musical career, from The Beatles to Wings to his solo material, were backed with video footage of John, Paul, George and Ringo throughout their time as a band.
—Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
Every facet of the property is either reimagined or brand new.
—Matt Kirouac, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for facet
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Anna Russell, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
The best gifts for the women in our lives should be a celebration of their many facets and hobbies.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
The night was more of a sonic scrapbook than a concert as songs from all facets of McCartney's musical career, from The Beatles to Wings to his solo material, were backed with video footage of John, Paul, George and Ringo throughout their time as a band.
—Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
Every facet of the property is either reimagined or brand new.
—Matt Kirouac, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for facet
Cite this Entry
“Facet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facet. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
facet
noun
fac·et
ˈfas-ət 
1
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
2
: a definable aspect of something
explained all facets of the company
3
: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye
faceted
adjective
ˈfas-ət-əd
Medical Definition
facet
noun
fac·et
ˈfas-ət
ˌfa-ˈset
: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface
the articular facet of a bone
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