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 Benzene is classified as a group A carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has been linked to cancer, including leukemia. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Mar. 2024 At the time of the report, Jackson was classified by the Navy as a rear admiral (lower half), a one-star admiral that is distinct from the two-star rear admiral position. Alex Horton, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, most sea turtle species are classified as endangered or threatened, primarily due to human activities. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 Others have suggested the impact of humans on Earth was better classified as a geological event that unfolds gradually over a long period of time. Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 Prosecutors allege that in response to the entreaties, Slater provided sensitive information including details that were classified as secret by the U.S. intelligence community. Robert Legare, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2024 Nearly 40 percent of the country lives in poverty, close to 14 percent in what is classified as extreme. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 Former Defense Department officials estimate that anywhere from 50% to 90% of them shouldn’t be classified at all. TIME, 29 Feb. 2024 Rather than inappropriately classifying the service as a loan, a more fruitful approach recognizes EWA’s novelty. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'classify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see class entry 1

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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