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

Parakeets are a subset of parrots that tend to be smaller but are every bit as radiant as their larger and better-known brethren. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Google suggests making a smaller subset of ad data available and ending the use of some pricing schemes, including unified pricing, that the court has found to be anticompetitive. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

The popularity of the art hotel concept indicates a shift in tourism, where a subset of hotels seeks to offer more purposeful, and not just aesthetic, experiences. —Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025

Whatever that number was, said Hansen, a hardy subset remains. —Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 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