caste

Definition

• n. social status or position conferred by a system based on class
• n. (Hinduism) a hereditary social class among Hindus; stratified according to ritual purity
• n. a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth
• n. in some social insects (such as ants) a physically distinct individual or group of individuals specialized to perform certain functions in the colony

Word forms

Plural

castes

Example sentences

1. n.

   In India, the caste system has historically divided people into different social groups.