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
Todd Gordon, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
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, 27 Sep. 2025
Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
The zipper also does not span the entire top of the bag; rather, it is inset about an inch on each side, where a pair of clip-down flaps allows the bag to take on less of a tote shape and more of a boxy profile.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inset
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Noun
These new vehicles, pictured as inset on the monthly chart below could expand the company’s total addressable market and improve operating leverage over time.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
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, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
Main image, an Elon Musk dummy is beheaded on stage, inset, an image of Musk.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
The zipper also does not span the entire top of the bag; rather, it is inset about an inch on each side, where a pair of clip-down flaps allows the bag to take on less of a tote shape and more of a boxy profile.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 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 31 Oct. 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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