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

Here’s a small subset of the gamma-ray bursts detected by Swift, which captures a glimpse of the diversity of these pulse shapes. —Amy Lien, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

For a relatively small subset of students, this year’s application process went more smoothly than ever. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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