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

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

1. class, category, familynoun

   a collection of things sharing a common attribute

   "there are two classes of detergents"

2. categorynoun

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

Wiktionary(3.83 / 6 votes)Rate this definition:

1. categorynoun

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

   Etymology: From categorie, from categoria, from .

2. categorynoun

   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. Categorynoun

   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. Categorynoun

   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.]

Matched Categories

1. • Concept

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. David Snyder:

   What is redactable is medical, personnel or similar files, as a general matter, that is understood to mean sensitive private information. Just a name by itself does not fall into that category.

2. National Weather Service:

   Many areas from Louisiana up toward Missouri and into Illinois saw rainfall totals over 7 inches( with some localized amounts up to a foot) fall within 48 hours. 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.

3. Michael Lasser:

   Many areas of the consumer electronics retail category are economically sensitive. So if the economy's in a tough spot, that would be a risk for Best Buy.

4. Ted Kallmyer:

   While the amounts are still much higher than what we experts recommend as a safe daily amount (400 mg), this group of people has, over time, built up their caffeine tolerance and/or their livers process caffeine really well so it doesn't affect them adversely, however, the problem with these products is that they can inadvertently be consumed by people who are not in the targeted category.

5. Joe Biden:

   I can only notice a couple of you around the room that may be in my category in terms of longevity.

Images & Illustrations of category

Popularity rank by frequency of use