subcategory

noun

sub·​cat·​e·​go·​ry ˌsəb-ˈka-tə-ˌgȯr-ē How to pronounce subcategory (audio)
plural subcategories
: a category that is a subdivision of a larger category : a secondary category
grouping the books into the appropriate categories and subcategories
A new subcategory of vodkas, which provide a contrast to the "tasteless" aspect of this spirit, are the flavored vodkas …Alexis Bespaloff

Examples of subcategory in a Sentence

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.
After Indian sauce brand Gymkhana came to stores earlier this year, Bandin said, its explosive growth lifted the entire subcategory, including some legacy brands that weren't otherwise seeing gains. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 29 May 2026 The Takeaway That Google would feel compelled to enter a new subcategory to match a startup that many consumers likely still haven’t heard of speaks to how far this segment has come. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026 As medicine becomes more personalized, things like biomarkers—a broad subcategory of medical signs including glucose regulation, muscle retention indicators, and circadian rhythm metics—are contributing to a better understanding of long-term risk patterns and aging. Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 8 Mar. 2026 This increase was twofold, driven in part by sell-in shipments to Sephora North America, as well as a strong performance in the lip subcategory. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subcategory

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcategory was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Subcategory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcategory. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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