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

While most professionals use some form of impression management, a small subset builds their entire reputation around it. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

In the wide field of true-crime podcasts, tales of elaborate scams and long cons are a growing subset. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025

Similarly, the general consensus among Americans in the 19th century was that slavery was bad – in fact, it had already been abolished in the northern states – but taking action to protest slavery was a smaller subset of people. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

Some Republicans argue that growing GOP support among a subset of Latino voters in Texas justifies these lines. —Vince Perez, Time, 20 Aug. 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