category

noun

cat·​e·​go·​ry ˈka-tə-ˌgȯr-ē How to pronounce category (audio)
plural categories
1
: any of several fundamental and distinct classes to which entities or concepts belong
Taxpayers fall into one of several categories.
2
: a division within a system of classification
She competed for the award in her age category.

Examples of category in a Sentence

The cars belong to the same category. Taxpayers fall into one of several categories. She competed for the award in her age category.
Recent Examples on the Web And those categories usually tend to favor Republican candidates for office. Ron Elving, NPR, 23 Mar. 2024 This year, Missouri will send a wrestler in all 10 weight categories to the NCAA Wrestling Championships, which are scheduled to take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Calum McAndrew, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for category 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'category.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin categoria, from Greek katēgoria predication, category, from katēgorein to accuse, affirm, predicate, from kata- + agora public assembly, from ageirein to gather

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of category was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near category

Cite this Entry

“Category.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/category. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

category

noun
cat·​e·​go·​ry ˈkat-ə-ˌgōr-ē How to pronounce category (audio)
-ˌgȯr-
plural categories
1
: one of the divisions or groupings used in a system of classification
"species" and "genus" are biological categories
2

More from Merriam-Webster on category

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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