inset

[ noun in-set; verb in-set ]

/ noun ˈɪnˌsɛt; verb ɪnˈsɛt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inset ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something inserted; insert.

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

influx.

the act of setting in.

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

verb (used with object), in·set, in·set·ting.

to set in or insert, as an inset: to inset a panel in a dress.

to insert an inset in: to inset a mounting with jewels.

Nearby words

insertion, insertion element, insertion sequence, insertional mutagenesis, insessorial, inset, inset initial, inseverable, inshallah, insheathe, inshore

Origin of inset

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

Related forms

in·set·ter, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inset

This inset grille here contains both microphone and speaker—ear and mouth.
The Affair of the Brains|Anthony Gilmore
There was a slight click as the bottom tightened automatically, the price appeared on the inset beside the stud, and Greg drank.
Cancer World|Harry Warner
About the neck and waist of the exquisite female figure were inset jewels, simulating girdle and necklace.
Valley of the Croen|Lee Tarbell
Beyond this was a wharf of carved stone, and the men followed where steps were inset to allow them to ascend.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1931|Various

She was twisting at an inset handle around which faint lines indicated the door edge.
Valley of the Croen|Lee Tarbell

British Dictionary definitions for inset

inset

verb (ɪnˈsɛt) -sets, -setting or -set

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

noun (ˈɪnˌsɛt)

something inserted

printing

a small map or diagram set within the borders of a larger one
another name for insert (def. 4)

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

a flowing in, as of the tide

Derived Forms

insetter, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012