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

A subset of them that had dipped below their 200-day moving averages have recently reclaimed those levels.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

There’s even a subset of manosphere influencers who are doing this tap dance with Islam.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

“Usually it’s the same subset of vehicles that consistently ranks up there with best resale values,” said Drury.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

The trial could offer new insights into their ambition and intent for the development of a technology now used by a growing subset of the global population.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Unless you get the complete list of predictions or a randomly selected subset, the correct predictions mean nothing.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

• subdivision