subcaste

noun

sub·​caste ˈsəb-ˌkast How to pronounce subcaste (audio)
 also  -ˌkäst
variants or sub-caste
plural subcastes or sub-castes
: a caste that is a subdivision of a larger caste
The Hindu caste system is enormously complex, with thousands of subcastes grouped into four major divisions …Barbara Crossette

Examples of subcaste in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Let Israel choose the words to describe permanent control over a subcaste of about five million civilians who lack rights and representation. Michael Oren, Foreign Affairs, 31 May 2023 Hybrid work could even effectively create a subcaste of employees for those who choose to continue doing their jobs remotely, career experts warn. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 6 May 2021 India remains a largely conservative society where most people don’t marry outside their subcaste, let alone outside their faith. Sadanand Dhume, WSJ, 25 Nov. 2020

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

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcaste was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near subcaste

Cite this Entry

“Subcaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcaste. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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