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.
Not a nor'easter Monday's snowstorm will not be classified as a classic nor'easter, Taylor said, which are some of the most infamous winter storms for East Coasters. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 And our findings have broader implications for how species are classified and protected under conservation laws. Andre A. Naranjo, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 There were additional instances when US nuclear forces went on alert, but their details are still classified. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Jan. 2025 Solar flares are classified on a 4-class scale, and as the scale goes up in class, each flare is ten times stronger than the class beneath it. Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 3 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 20 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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