subset

noun

sub·​set ˈsəb-ˌset How to pronounce subset (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That individual should want, care about and notice a closely circumscribed subset of things. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, outside the five districts that Democrats hope to switch, there are safely Democratic districts where progressive candidates are jousting with mainstream rivals, a subset of the national party’s ideological conflict. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Dynatrace is likely to surge as observability, a subset of the artificial intelligence market, is poised for its biggest boom in roughly four years, according to Morgan Stanley. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 There is a subset of fans very upset that Mbappe’s two goals in the third-place play-off against England secured him the Golden Boot ahead of Messi. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subset

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subset was in 1881

Rhymes for subset

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Browse Nearby Words

subsessile
subset
subsexual
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Cite this Entry

“Subset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subset. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subset

noun
sub·​set ˈsəb-ˌset How to pronounce subset (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on subset

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subset

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