categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
Synonyms of categorize

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify
Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.
categorization
ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce categorize (audio)
noun
categorizable
ˌka-ti-gə-ˈrī-zə-bəl How to pronounce categorize (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of categorize

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Examples of categorize in a Sentence

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways. Their opinions can be categorized as conservative. Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.
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 data brokers create marketing lists that categorize consumers based on location data collected from their devices, Schwartz said. — Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 In addition to reading uploaded receipts, accounting software can sync and categorize expenses from your bank and credit card accounts. — Dana Miranda, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 With this much space, the entire region can’t be categorized in any one specific way—except with the word dramatic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 When the new rule does go into effect, the DOT will create a new category airlines can use to categorize flight issues that are outside the carrier’s control with 10 specific types of flight disruptions. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorize

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of categorize was in 1705

Rhymes for categorize

See All Rhymes for categorize

Browse Nearby Words

categorization
categorize
category
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Categorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/categorize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

categorize

verb
cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
: to put into a category : classify
categorization
ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce categorize (audio)
noun
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