classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈkla-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce classify (audio)
classified; classifying

transitive verb

1
: to arrange in classes (see class entry 1 sense 3)
classifying books according to subject matter
2
: to consider (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group
The movie is classified as a comedy.
The vehicle is classified as a truck.
classifiable adjective

Examples of classify in a Sentence

Students will be learning about the ways scientists classify animals. The online system can classify books by subject.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Calculated by dividing a person's weight by their height, the result then classifies individuals into categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025 Loot boxes are banned in many EU countries, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, as they are classified as a form of gambling, while countries like Spain and the UK are considering stricter regulations. Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 18 Jan. 2025 The prisoners given commuted sentences saw their sentences classified from execution to life without the possibility of parole. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 In comparison, across Miami-Dade County, just over 10% of all people booked into county jails in 2024 were classified as homeless, according to data from the county’s corrections department. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for classify 

Word History

Etymology

probably in part a back-formation from classification, in part from class entry 1 + -ify

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of classify was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near classify

Cite this Entry

“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

classify

verb
clas·​si·​fy ˈklas-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce classify (audio)
classified; classifying
: to arrange in or assign to classes
classify books by subjects
classifiable adjective
classifier
-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun

Medical Definition

classify

transitive verb
clas·​si·​fy ˈklas-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce classify (audio)
classified; classifying
: to arrange in classes that have systematic relations usually founded on common properties
how would you classify these animals

More from Merriam-Webster on classify

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