category
KA-tih-guh-ree
Category (noun) means a group or class into which things are sorted based on shared features. Example: “The award has separate categories for fiction and non-fiction.”
noun
1
A group or class into which things are sorted based on shared features.
"The award has separate categories for fiction and non-fiction."
"Which category does this product fall under?"
"Books in this category are arranged by the author's surname."
How to use category
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group that things are sorted into based on what they have in common.
Common pairings
fall into a category
best in category
weight category
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Word forms
- Plural
- categories
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Which _____ does this product fall under?
Etymology
From Late Latin categoria, from Ancient Greek kategoria, "class of predicables."
Related words
Rhymes for category
See all rhymes for category →Frequently asked questions
What does “category” mean?
The word “category” means a group or class into which things are sorted based on shared features. In plain terms, a group that things are sorted into based on what they have in common.
How do you pronounce “category”?
“Category” is pronounced KA-tih-guh-ree (/ˈkæ.tɪˌɡɔ.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “category” in a sentence?
Here is “category” used in a sentence: “Which category does this product fall under?”
What part of speech is “category”?
“Category” is a noun.
Where does the word “category” come from?
The word “category” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin categoria, from Ancient Greek kategoria, "class of predicables.".
Is “category” a common word?
“Category” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a category and a class?
The two overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. A category is any group defined by shared features, used broadly in everyday language. A class often implies a more formal or hierarchical system, as in biology or ranking. In most ordinary contexts, choosing either word makes little practical difference.
What is an example of a category?
In a shop, "electronics," "clothing," and "groceries" are categories. In film, "comedy" and "horror" are categories, or genres. Any label that groups items by a shared trait — colour, size, purpose, or theme — works as a category, helping people sort and find things quickly.
Why are categories important?
Categories make large amounts of information manageable. By sorting things into groups with shared features, they help us organise, search, compare, and make decisions faster. Libraries, shops, websites, and the sciences all rely on categories so people can find what they need without examining every item individually.
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