categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify

Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.

categorization

ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

categorizable

ˌka-ti-gə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• assort
• break down
• class
• classify
• codify
• compartment
• compartmentalize
• digest
• distinguish
• distribute
• grade
• group
• peg
• place
• range
• rank
• relegate
• separate
• sort
• type

Examples of categorize in a Sentence

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways.

Their opinions can be categorized as conservative.

Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some noted that Bench seemed to rely too heavily on machine learning, with minimal human oversight to review financial statements and assess whether transactions were accurately categorized. —Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

But before their arrival, early Fleetwood Mac was difficult to categorize. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024

The skins the Redditor is referring to are categorized in tiers, giving players an array of cosmetic, animation and in-game effects. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

In Argentina, Fernandez’s behavior, and that of the rest of the team during that video, was categorized as dressing room humor. —Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

: to put into a category : classify

categorization

ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun