category

word

/ˈkætəˌɡɔɹi/
KA-tuh-gor-ee
/kˈætɪɡəɹi/
KA-ti-guh-ree

Definition

A category is a group of people or things that share similar characteristics; it is a way to organize things based on shared qualities or features.

Usage & Nuances

Used in academic, technical, and everyday contexts. Common collocations: 'fall into a category', 'main category', 'different categories'. Not used for a single item—refers to groups. Sometimes confused with 'type' or 'class'; 'category' is more formal and often broader.

Example Sentences

Which category does this book belong to?

basic

There are three categories of tickets.

basic

This product falls into the electronics category.

basic

I didn’t see a category for my hobby, so I picked 'Other'.

natural

Some movies don’t fit neatly into just one category.

natural

You have to choose a category before submitting your comment.

natural