classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈkla-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce classify (audio)
classified; classifying
Synonyms of classify

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
ˌkla-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce classify (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of classify

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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.
The developers also said the property would be rented to households earning up to 30% of the area median income, a level federal housing guidelines classify as extremely low-income. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 An autopsy identified multiple injuries, and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office ultimately determined that his death was caused by injuries resulting from child abuse and classified the death as a homicide, the news release said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Thirty-five of the animals, including the green macaw and sulcata tortoise, are classified as endangered species. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2025, the FDA classified 1,566 recalls, compared with 1,479 in 2024. — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for classify

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Browse Nearby Words

classifier
classify
class interval
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Cite this Entry

“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-ˌfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce classify (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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