subcategory

IPA/ˈsʌb.kæt.ə.ɡri/
IPA/ˈsʌb.kæt̬.ə.ɡɔːr.i/

subcategory — noun

  • subcategorysingular
  • subcategoriesplural

1. a smaller group inside a broader class, used to sort things more exactly

1.nounB2
Definition

a smaller group inside a broader class, used to sort things more exactly

Example

The app stores each kind of expense in a separate subcategory.

collocation: separate subcategory

Joaquín created a new subcategory for winter gloves in the shop.

pattern: subcategory for + noun

Common collocations
  • subcategory of clothing
  • create a subcategory
  • add a subcategory
  • separate subcategory
Synonyms
  • subdivision

    More formal and often used for official systems or plans.

  • section

    Looser everyday word for one part of a larger set.

Antonyms
  • category

    The larger parent group that can contain several subcategories.

Grammar Patterns

a subcategory of + noun

create/add a subcategory for + noun

Usage Note

Often used in catalogues, websites, and filing systems where one large group is divided into narrower parts.

Common Mistakes

Shoes are a category of sportswear.
Shoes are a subcategory of sportswear.
A subcategory sits inside a larger category, not at the same level as it.
I made one subcategory for fruit and tools.
I made separate categories for fruit and tools.
A subcategory is a narrower part of one category, not a label for unrelated groups.

Etymology

First known use

1842

1842, in the meaning defined above