1
: one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes
2
a
: a division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank or privilege, profession, occupation, or race
b
: the position conferred by caste standing : prestige
art and religion have lost caste—
F. L. Baumer
F. L. Baumer3
: a system of rigid social stratification characterized by hereditary status, endogamy, and social barriers sanctioned by custom, law, or religion
4
: a specialized form (such as the worker of an ant or bee) of a polymorphic social insect that carries out a particular function in the colony
soldier castes for fighting enemy ants
Examples of caste in a Sentence
He was from a higher caste.
a member of the upper caste
Recent Examples on the Web
That said, there are areas that experts are watching closely for signs of stress, including the government’s attitude toward religious minorities and caste.
—Fahad Shah, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2024
The Unstoppable Rise of Hindu Nationalism India’s far right is conquering castes—and the country.
—Sadanand Dhume, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Analysts say there was also a swing against Modi’s BJP by Dalits, who form India’s most oppressed castes, particularly in the country’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.
—Diaa Hadid, NPR, 9 June 2024
Rwanda had historically been divided into three distinct ethnic, or caste, groups: Hutus, making up the vast majority; Tutsis, around 15% of the population; and the Twa, less than 1%.
—The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caste 
Fahad Shah, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2024
The Unstoppable Rise of Hindu Nationalism India’s far right is conquering castes—and the country.
—Sadanand Dhume, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Analysts say there was also a swing against Modi’s BJP by Dalits, who form India’s most oppressed castes, particularly in the country’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.
—Diaa Hadid, NPR, 9 June 2024
Rwanda had historically been divided into three distinct ethnic, or caste, groups: Hutus, making up the vast majority; Tutsis, around 15% of the population; and the Twa, less than 1%.
—The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caste
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caste.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near caste
Cite this Entry
“Caste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caste. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
caste
noun1
: one of the classes into which the Hindu people of India were formerly divided
2
a
: a division of society based upon differences of wealth, rank, or occupation
b
: social rank : prestige
3
: a specialized form of a social insect that carries out a particular purpose in the colony
the worker caste in a colony of honeybees
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