classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy

b

: class, category

classificatory

ˈkla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē  kla-ˈsi-fə-  ˈkla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bracket
• category
• class
• division
• family
• genus
• grade
• group
• kind
• league
• order
• rank(s)
• rubric
• set
• species
• tier
• type

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species

job classifications for government workers

Recent Examples on the Web

Ramos said this is why, moving forward, there needs to be correct classifications and awareness of resources to locate missing Indigenous people. —Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 20 June 2024

This is by no means an exhaustive list: many overlap, many are genres in their own right, and some readers may disagree with my classification of particular titles as dark fantasy. —Marianne Gordon, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024

Bourbon's specific ingredients and distilling process are what determine its classification. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 14 June 2024

There will be two playoff brackets and two state champions per classification. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classification

• Dewey decimal classification
• self-classification

Kids Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy

b

: class entry 1 sense 3a, category

classificatory

ˈklas-(ə-)fə-kə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

: systematic arrangement of animals and plants in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy sense 2

Legal Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion

: the act or method of distributing into a class or category according to characteristics

also : a class or category determined by characteristics see also suspect classification