classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria
specifically : taxonomy

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species job classifications for government workers
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.
The challenge is further complicated by the high rate of false positives and negatives output by traditional classification systems and the substantial manual effort required to maintain and update classification rules. Asaf Kochan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Intersex people have chromosomes and/or reproductive organs that do not fit into a binary male or female classification, while two-spirit refers to members of Indigenous cultures who identify as having both a masculine and feminine spirit. Colleen English, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025 The woman suffered level five facial bites—the most severe classification short of fatal injury—and has undergone reconstructive surgery, with more procedures expected. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 More firing power over employees The Trump administration has created a new system for performance reviews for high-level managers with a classification known as Senior Executive Service. Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for classification

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin classificātiōn-, classificātiō, from Latin classis "group called to military service, fleet, class entry 1" + -i- -i- + -ficātiōn-, -ficātiō -fication

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classification was in 1767

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Cite this Entry

“Classification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classification. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy
classificatory adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on classification

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