profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ How to pronounce profiling (audio)
: the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies
consumer profiling
specifically : the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior
racial profiling

Examples of profiling in a Sentence

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.
But as the two creatives note, maybe there’s a bit of profiling going on if Star Wars fans instantly assumed that Neel and Max Rebo share alien DNA. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 Nov. 2024 Opponents of the Arizona measure caution that state-level enforcement could strain Arizona's economy and lead to costly litigation, especially if racial profiling issues arise. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Opponents raise issues like the risk of racial profiling. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 Nickson — who has always believed in the importance of psychological profiling and psychometric testing in player development and recruitment — pushed for the £60m outlay on Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin during the summer of 2019. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for profiling 

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiling was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near profiling

Cite this Entry

“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

profiling

noun
pro·​fil·​ing
: the practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics
specifically : the discriminatory practice of profiling based on race or ethnicity
racial profiling

More from Merriam-Webster on profiling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!