categorical variable

n. A nonquantitative variable with a limited number of subtypes, levels, or values. Also called nominal variables, categorical variables are used to identify the various subtypes or categories within the domain of the categorical variable. For example, within the domain of the variable “gender,” there are typically two categories: male and female. While numerical values may be assigned to the values of categorical variables, these numbers are simply used for labeling purposes and have no ordinal, mathematical meaning.

- BJM