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 or insetted; insetting
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
Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Among the key pieces for fall were a hooded jacket in Loro Piana Storm System fabric and a knee-length car coat with an inset vest.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Joshua Pearce, Forbes.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Regenagri launched its carbon insetting program in January, giving farmers and growers a way to monetize sustainable practices through Regenagri certification.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inset
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Noun
Once it was notified Santana had dropped out, Link said her office prepared a standard inset according to state guidelines that explains a candidate had withdrawn and that votes for Santana would not be counted.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Among the key pieces for fall were a hooded jacket in Loro Piana Storm System fabric and a knee-length car coat with an inset vest.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
In this case study, it is assumed that in order to minimize racking costs the modules are mounted vertically directly on the top 80% of the existing noise barriers (see image inset).
—Joshua Pearce, Forbes.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Regenagri launched its carbon insetting program in January, giving farmers and growers a way to monetize sustainable practices through Regenagri certification.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inset
Cite this Entry
“Inset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inset. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inset
1 of 2 noun
in·set
ˈin-ˌset 
: 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
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