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
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The subcategory chalked up the biggest financial hit: $25.3 million, which was actually lower than the previous year's $31.3 million. Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 Of these categories, Porter County currently assigns all of its 0.5% LIT to the economic development subcategory under the expenditure bucket. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 Other This catchall subcategory is dedicated to projects that do not fit into any of the previous six subcategories. Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Logistics The main subcategory to feel the impact from higher tariffs in distribution and logistics is expected to be ocean freight at 100 percent of spend. Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 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 5 Apr. 2025.

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