subset

American  

[suhb-set] / ˈsʌbˌsɛt /

noun

1. a set that is a part of a larger set.

2. Mathematics. a set consisting of elements of a given set that can be the same as the given set or smaller.

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subset British  

/ ˈsʌbˌsɛt /

noun

1. maths

   1. a set the members of which are all members of some given class: A is a subset of B is usually written A⊆B

   2.  A⊂B.  one that is strictly contained within a larger class and excludes some of its members

2. a set within a larger set

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subset Scientific  

/ sŭb′sĕt′ /

1. A set whose members are all contained in another set. The set of positive integers, for example, is a subset of the set of integers.

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Etymology

Origin of subset

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + set

Explanation

Use the noun subset when you're talking about a group of things that fit in a larger category. For example, "new horror films" or "new comedies" are subsets of "new movies." You can use the word subset any time you refer to small sets within larger ones, whether you're talking about Halloween candy, greeting cards, or classmates. However, the most common use of subset happens in mathematics, which is where the word comes from originally. Subset is short for "subordinate set," or a set that is entirely contained inside another set — it's subordinate, less important or smaller.

Example Sentences

Re-estimating the relationship between age and return for this subset of MLS transactions and adding the quality measures show that both high-positive and high-negative ratings help explain the lower returns for older sellers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

It also has a subset of transactions marketed through an MLS, which includes additional details such as the asking price, original listing date and other property characteristics.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Once you do that, the server list updates to the subset of NordWhisper servers, so you can just connect like normal to use an obfuscated server.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

The additional traffic from Lantern or other tools becomes a subset of a much larger whole.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

He refers to that subset a second time, and so it’s time to switch back to the definite: Most of these herons.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• subdivision