1
: a particular part or aspect (as of something being contemplated or considered)
Each facet of the problem requires careful analysis.
2
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration
3
: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
Houseflies have about 350 facets per eye, while dragonflies have a whopping 30,000.—
Brad Wetzler
Brad Wetzler4
: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)
the articular facet of a rib
Examples of facet in a Sentence
Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.
the different facets of our culture
Which facet of his character is most appealing?
the facets of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web
If bad weather comes up or any other facet of the launch technology goes awry, the crew can attempt launch again during two-hour windows between April 2 and 6 and also on April 30.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
The Giants weren’t just swept by the New York Yankees to begin Vitello’s managerial tenure, but outclassed in every facet of the game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Just two days ago, this page discussed the many facets of the public debate on the $7 billion 1901 Project, a huge concert venue, hotel, retail and housing development surrounding the United Center, as proposed by that stadium’s owners.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
The best gifts for the women in our lives should be a celebration of their many facets and hobbies.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for facet
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Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
The Giants weren’t just swept by the New York Yankees to begin Vitello’s managerial tenure, but outclassed in every facet of the game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Just two days ago, this page discussed the many facets of the public debate on the $7 billion 1901 Project, a huge concert venue, hotel, retail and housing development surrounding the United Center, as proposed by that stadium’s owners.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
The best gifts for the women in our lives should be a celebration of their many facets and hobbies.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for facet
Cite this Entry
“Facet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facet. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
facet
noun
fac·et
ˈfas-ət 
1
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
2
: a definable aspect of something
explained all facets of the company
3
: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye
faceted
adjective
ˈfas-ət-əd
Medical Definition
facet
noun
fac·et
ˈfas-ət
ˌfa-ˈset
: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface
the articular facet of a bone
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