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
Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
An illustrative photo of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with an inset of Mehrad Asadi Eidivand, whom ICE agents arrested outside his home in Phoenix on May 31.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Stock image of a man holding his painful throat, and inset, illustration of a COVID-19 mutation.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inset
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Noun
This pillow has firm neck support with a memory foam inset and a washable cover that’s easy to keep clean.
—Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
An illustrative photo of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with an inset of Mehrad Asadi Eidivand, whom ICE agents arrested outside his home in Phoenix on May 31.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
Oahu residents evacuate Ewa Beach, main, right and left, to the side of Kunia Road in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and vehicles in Honolulu, inset, as locals and tourists evacuate the area.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Stock image of a man holding his painful throat, and inset, illustration of a COVID-19 mutation.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 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 4 Aug. 2025.
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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