English · Word Candidate

caste

/kɑːst/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: castes

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Any of the hereditary social classes and subclasses of South Asian societies or similar found historically in other cultures.

Noun

Examples

Pakistan is a conservative, religious state. The Edhi Foundation is unusual in its ignoring of caste, creed, religion and sect. This strict stance has led to some criticism from religious groups.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A separate and fixed order or class of persons in society who chiefly associate with each other.

Noun

Examples

Ah! Can you give me all I've asked for — not now, nor a few months later, but when you begin to think of what you might have done if you had kept your own appointment and your caste here — when you begin to look upon me as a drag and a burden?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “caste” mean?

Any of the hereditary social classes and subclasses of South Asian societies or similar found historically in other cultures.

Is “caste” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.