classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 
classified; classifying
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.
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
More: Trump releases classified JFK files on assassination.
—
Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
He’s produced a number of hip-hop tunes, and Billboard often classifies his work as rap.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
In order to be classified as gin, the spirit’s most prominent flavor must be piney, cool juniper.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025
Researchers classify measles virus strains based on their genetic characteristics, or genotypes.
—Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classify
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Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
He’s produced a number of hip-hop tunes, and Billboard often classifies his work as rap.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
In order to be classified as gin, the spirit’s most prominent flavor must be piney, cool juniper.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025
Researchers classify measles virus strains based on their genetic characteristics, or genotypes.
—Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classify
Cite this Entry
“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in or assign to classes
classify books by subjects
classifier
noun
-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
classify
transitive verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in classes that have systematic relations usually founded on common properties
how would you classify these animals
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