What does sector mean?
A sector is a distinct part of a larger whole, especially a branch of an economy, a division within an organization, or a designated part of a geographical area. Expressions such as “the public sector” and “the private sector” distinguish broad types of economic activity, while references to a particular industry often identify a company’s field of business. The word can also refer to a defined geometric portion of a circle, though this use belongs mainly to mathematics. As a verb, “sector” means to divide or organize something into separate sectors, but it is less frequent than the noun. The term is useful because it suggests both separation and specialization: a sector has a recognizable role or function within a larger system. It is especially common in discussions of economics, government, employment, industry, and regional development.
A distinct area, branch, or division of a larger organization, economy, or geographical space; in geometry, a portion of a circle bounded by two radii and an arc.
"The education sector received a substantial increase in funding."
Common in economic, governmental, organizational, and regional contexts; the geometric sense is technical.
To divide or organize something into distinct sectors.
"The committee decided to sector the survey by age group."
This use is less common than the noun and typically occurs in administrative, technical, or planning contexts.
The regular plural is “sectors”; it is used when referring to multiple divisions, areas of activity, or geometric portions.
"The report compares performance across several sectors of the economy."
From a Latin word meaning “one who cuts,” a sector began as a cutting tool and later became any distinct division cut out from a whole.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sector come from?
The word comes from Latin sector, meaning “cutter” or “one who cuts,” derived from secare, “to cut.” English borrowed the noun in the 16th century, initially for a geometric instrument used to cut or measure a circle, and later extended it to divisions of an organization or area of activity. Related English words, including section and segment, also trace their development to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How sector is actually used
The noun is common in business, government, finance, and development contexts. Its geometric sense is specialized, while the verb is less common and usually means to organize something into distinct sectors.
Easily confused with sector
A sector is commonly a functional or economic division, whereas a segment is a portion formed by separating something into parts.
A sector is a division or area of activity, while secular means nonreligious or not connected with religion.