inset

American  

[in-set, in-set] / ˈɪnˌsɛt, ɪnˈsɛt /

noun

1. something inserted; insert.

2. a small picture, map, etc., inserted within the border of a larger one.

3. influx.

4. the act of setting in.

5. a piece of cloth or other material set into a garment, usually as an ornamental panel.

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verb (used with object)

inset, insetting

1. to set in or insert, as an inset.

   to inset a panel in a dress.

2. to insert an inset in.

   to inset a mounting with jewels.

inset British  

verb

1. (tr) to set or place in or within; insert

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noun

1. something inserted

2. printing

   1. a small map or diagram set within the borders of a larger one

   2. another name for insert

3. a piece of fabric inserted into a garment, as to shape it or for decoration

4. a flowing in, as of the tide

Other Word Forms

• insetter noun

Etymology

Origin of inset

before 900; Middle English insetten to insert, Old English insettan to initiate; in- ¹, set

Example Sentences

They act as deep coffers for the inset skylights, recalling Kahn’s Yale museum, while their V-shaped section gives them a central channel in which the mechanical systems are concealed, performing their duties unseen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

"Today we had an inset day so I played Roblox and spoke to my cousin who lives far away," she said.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

The infamous Bronco chase caused one television station to rearrange coverage of an NBA Finals game, featuring the chase on the main screen and the game as an inset.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Indicating the origin of an inset from an image is minimal; providing intensity scales for grayscale, color, and pseudocolor is recommended; and annotating image details such as pixel size and exposure time are ideal.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023

Mrs. Fermin shows me a picture frame inset with Eduardo’s ninth-grade report card.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• import
• include
• send
• ship