Definitions for category
ˈkæt ɪˌgɔr i, -ˌgoʊr icat·e·go·ry

Princeton's WordNet(3.67 / 6 votes)Rate this definition:

1. class, category, family(noun)

   a collection of things sharing a common attribute

   "there are two classes of detergents"

2. category(noun)

   a general concept that marks divisions or coordinations in a conceptual scheme

Wiktionary(3.83 / 6 votes)Rate this definition:

1. category(Noun)

   A group, often named or numbered, to which items are assigned based on similarity or defined criteria.

   Etymology: From categorie, from categoria, from .

2. category(Noun)

   A collection of objects, together with a transitively closed collection of composable arrows between them, such that every object has an identity arrow, and such that arrow composition is associative.

   Etymology: From categorie, from categoria, from .

Webster Dictionary(2.60 / 5 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Category(noun)

   one of the highest classes to which the objects of knowledge or thought can be reduced, and by which they can be arranged in a system; an ultimate or undecomposable conception; a predicament

   Etymology: [L. categoria, Gr. , fr. to accuse, affirm, predicate; down, against + to harrangue, assert, fr. assembly.]

2. Category(noun)

   class; also, state, condition, or predicament; as, we are both in the same category

   Etymology: [L. categoria, Gr. , fr. to accuse, affirm, predicate; down, against + to harrangue, assert, fr. assembly.]

Freebase(2.33 / 3 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Category

   In mathematics, a category is an algebraic structure that comprises "objects" that are linked by "arrows". A category has two basic properties: the ability to compose the arrows associatively and the existence of an identity arrow for each object. A simple example is the category of sets, whose objects are sets and whose arrows are functions. On the other hand, any monoid can be understood as a special sort of category, and so can any preorder. In general, the objects and arrows may be abstract entities of any kind, and the notion of category provides a fundamental and abstract way to describe mathematical entities and their relationships. This is the central idea of category theory, a branch of mathematics which seeks to generalize all of mathematics in terms of objects and arrows, independent of what the objects and arrows represent. Virtually every branch of modern mathematics can be described in terms of categories, and doing so often reveals deep insights and similarities between seemingly different areas of mathematics. For more extensive motivational background and historical notes, see category theory and the list of category theory topics. Two categories are the same if they have the same collection of objects, the same collection of arrows, and the same associative method of composing any pair of arrows. Two categories may also be considered "equivalent" for purposes of category theory, even if they are not precisely the same.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(4.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Category

   kat′e-gor-i, n. what may be affirmed of a class: a class or order.—adjs. Categoremat′ic, capable of being used by itself as a term; Categor′ical, positive: absolute: without exception.—adv. Categor′ically, absolutely: without qualification: expressly.—n. Categor′icalness, the quality of being absolute and unqualified.—n.pl. Cat′egories (phil.), the highest classes under which objects of philosophy can be systematically arranged, understood as an attempt at a comprehensive classification of all that exists: in Kant's system, the root-notions of the understanding, the specific forms of the a priori or formal element in rational cognition (quantity, quality, relation, modality, &c.).—v.t. Cat′egorise, to place in a category or list: to class.—n. Categor′ist, one who categorises.—Categorical imperative, in the ethics of Kant, the absolute unconditional command of the moral law, irrespective of every ulterior end or aim—universally authoritative, belonging to the fixed law of nature—'Act from a maxim at all times fit for law universal.' [Gr. katēgoria, katēgoros, an accuser, kata, down, against, agora, assembly.]

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'category' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #2971

2. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'category' in Nouns Frequency: #700

How to pronounce category?

1. 

   Alex

   US English

   

   Daniel

   British

   

   Karen

   Australian

   

   Veena

   Indian

How to say category in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of category in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of category in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of category in a Sentence

1. Bruno Lannes:

   The crackdown took away the gifting... that was a tradition in China, and luxury brands were very good for that, especially in the male category.

2. Mark Lowcock:

   If conditions do not improve, a further 10 million people will fall into this category by the end of the year.

3. Mwanandeke Kindembo:

   No man should become a master of another. You must resist falling into this category.

4. The National Weather Service:

   Currently there are 21 million under a flood watch or warning from eastern Oklahoma up into Indiana. many of the rivers in these states have crested or (are) nearing crest and remain in moderate or major flood category. Many roads across this region are closed because of the flooding.

5. Jeffrey Gilbert:

   Because this drink category didn't exist in Japan, people didn't know what to make of it.

Images & Illustrations of category

Popularity rank by frequency of use