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
Nick Rockel, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
By replicating the graphic novel’s approach three-dimensionally, Zemeckis’ film becomes like a living diorama with insets providing windows into the past and future.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Shaker cabinets inset with mauve pink grass cloth and outfitted with vintage brass swan pulls stand opposite a spacious marble vanity inspired by her mother’s.
—Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inset 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Madigan-Curtis sees big upside in trading offsets for insets.
—Nick Rockel, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
By replicating the graphic novel’s approach three-dimensionally, Zemeckis’ film becomes like a living diorama with insets providing windows into the past and future.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Businesses need to transition away from fossil fuels, increase organic coffee purchases, and shift from offsetting to insetting by investing directly in their supply chain.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Shaker cabinets inset with mauve pink grass cloth and outfitted with vintage brass swan pulls stand opposite a spacious marble vanity inspired by her mother’s.
—Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inset
Dictionary Entries Near inset
Cite this Entry
“Inset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inset. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share