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
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.
More importantly, though, Infiniti’s move to Lead Actress realigns both that category and Supporting Actress. Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Mayfield may not be leading the NFL in many statistical categories among quarterbacks, but he is still considered one of the best in the league. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Monica Vinader was founded in 2008, and was a pioneer in the demi-fine jewelry category. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Hadestown won in this category in 2020. Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for category

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Category.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/category. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!