DictionaryrubricHeading or category
noun

rubric

A heading used to organize a written work.

The report groups travel expenses under the rubric "Operating Costs."

Etymology

Latin rubrica means red earth or red coloring. Headings written in red gave their color-name to headings and organizing labels more generally.

More examples

  • Several essays appear under the rubric "Science and Society."
  • Each chapter uses clear rubrics to separate its main topics.
  • The editor adds a rubric above the section on housing.

Forms

rubric · rubrics

Similar words

heading
A more common term for a section's descriptive label.
title
Often names an entire work rather than an organizing section.