1
a
: a geometric figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle
b(1)
: a subdivision of a defensive military position
(2)
: a portion of a military front or area of operation
c
: an area or portion resembling a sector
… bilingual sector of town.—David Kleinberg
d
: a sociological, economic, or political subdivision of society
… cooperation between the public and private sectors …—Eduardo Trigo
2
: a mathematical instrument consisting of two rulers connected at one end by a joint and marked with several scales
3
: a subdivision of a track on a computer disk
sectoral
adjective
ˈsek-t(ə-)rəl
sectored; sectoring
ˈsek-t(ə-)riŋ
: to divide into or furnish with sectors
Cite this Entry
“Sector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sector. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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