inset

1 of 2

noun

in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
1
a
: a place where something flows in : channel
b
: a setting or flowing in
2
: something that is inset: such as
a
: a small graphic representation (such as a map or picture) set within a larger one
b
: a piece of cloth set into a garment (as for decoration)
c
: a part or section of a utensil that fits into an outer part

inset

2 of 2

verb

in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
in-ˈset
inset or insetted; insetting

transitive verb

1
: set in
especially : to insert within something else in such a way as to be visible
2
: to provide with an inset

Examples of inset in a Sentence

Noun The floor is decorated with an inset of marble tiles. velvet dresses with silk insets Verb inset a map in a larger map
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Her colored jeans were washed and hand-dyed in muted pink and pigeon gray, and fabric remnants were used for the plaid insets in the skirts. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024 The back features one small patch pocket with a cutout inset for quick card removal and an overall clean look. Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2024 Detail insets introduce a visual spark to a simple kitchen backsplash while staying within your price range. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2023 Suspension is adjustable front and rear, and the displays in the cockpit are traditional round clocks with LCD insets for data tracking but can be swapped out for a small flat-panel TFT display. William Roberson, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 This example is finished in white with black protective cladding and has a black leather interior with Race-Tex insets and green stitching. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2023 The cabinet is crafted of solid mango wood that’s been kiln-dried for added durability, plus high-strength MDF for longevity, and the doors have an inset of natural cane that add texture and interest. Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2023 Being there again, Bowling noticed an inset in a wall where there once was a pay phone that students used to call home. Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 1 Sep. 2023 Alternating green accents on knobs and insets brighten up oak cabinets. Chantal Lamers, House Beautiful, 13 July 2023
Verb
But insetting is about taking responsibility for your own supply chain. 1000 Landscapes For 1 Billion People, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Make sure to check out the tiny TV screens inset into the columns around the dance floor. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Butler and the rest of the car's systems will be controlled through yet more displays, two smaller ones inset in the dash on either side of the steering wheel. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 25 Oct. 2023 The machine, based on a platform developed by Toyota, has a manual controller that the rider uses to change speed and direction [see photo, inset]. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2010 Old, grimy tiles, a sloping concrete floor inset with drainage channels and a low railing. Mathias Énard, Harper's Magazine, 11 Oct. 2023 The center stone was set upon a silver band with smaller diamonds inset around its perimeter. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 May 2023 The exteriors of the stores were adorned with white, icicle-like stalagmites of plaster, the walls inset with bits of shattered mirror. John Kelly, Washington Post, 27 May 2023 Picture a sea of tables, each inset with a grill, and a cadre of servers, each affixed to a tablet. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inset was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near inset

Cite this Entry

“Inset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inset. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inset

1 of 2 noun
in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
: something that is inset: as
a
: a small map or picture set within a larger one
b
: a piece of cloth set into a garment for decoration

inset

2 of 2 verb
in·​set ˈin-ˌset How to pronounce inset (audio)
in-ˈset
inset or insetted; insetting

More from Merriam-Webster on inset

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