caste

noun

\ ˈkast also ˈkäst

Definition of caste

1 : one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes

2a : a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, occupation, or race

b : the position conferred by caste standing : prestige art and religion have lost caste— F. L. Baumer

3 : a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion

4 : a specialized form (such as the worker of an ant or bee) of a polymorphic social insect that carries out a particular function in the colony soldier castes for fighting enemy ants

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Examples of caste in a Sentence

He was from a higher caste. a member of the upper caste

Recent Examples on the Web

San Francisco residents seem to be divided into four broad classes, or perhaps even castes: The Inner Party of venture capitalists and successful entrepreneurs who run the tech machine that is the engine of the city’s economy. — Antonio García Martínez, WIRED, "How Silicon Valley Fuels an Informal Caste System," 9 July 2018 In my work, India is a culture with a multitude of religions, castes, languages, colors, people — far bigger a melting pot than New York. — Teen Vogue, "Sachin of Sachin & Babi in Conversation with His Daughter Rhea Ahluwalia," 15 June 2018 After nine days, more foragers had died than ants of any other caste; all of the queens were still alive. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Sick ants stay away from the kids," 26 Nov. 2018 Deadly caste protests sweep across India Video provided by AFP Newslook NEW DELHI — If all goes well, Sanjay Jatav will marry Sheetal in July. — Jason Overdorf, USA TODAY, "In India, an 'Untouchables' wedding highlights tensions over social change," 22 Apr. 2018 Intermarriage between castes is legal, for example – but community restrictions on it often go unchallenged. — Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "Global decline in democracy? The lesson from India may be 'Not so fast.'," 16 Mar. 2018 Such social restrictions become more rigid higher up the caste hierarchy. — The Economist, "Culture and the labour market keep India’s women at home," 5 July 2018 Portrait of injustice, caste prejudice, and venal politics in contemporary India. $9, 7 Speed members. — Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, "What to do around Louisville this week: Janet Jackson, Santa, speakeasy party & more," 29 Nov. 2017 The chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, played caste politics to gain power before successfully quelling Maoist terror. — Ann Toews, WSJ, "‘A Savage Order’ Review: When a State Fuels Bloodshed," 11 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caste.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.