classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
Synonyms of classification
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria
specifically : taxonomy
b
: class, category
classificatory
ˈkla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce classification (audio) kla-ˈsi-fə- How to pronounce classification (audio) ˈkla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē How to pronounce classification (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of classification

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Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species job classifications for government workers
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 categories data brokers can put you in Some of these classifications sound harmless. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Several bills in this year’s regular session sponsored by Brown had to do with provisions for property classification and real estate wholesaler disclosures. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 The recall classification was updated this month to Class ll — meaning exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 That classification is commonly used to shield a variety of federal records from public release, including those containing personnel information, details about ongoing law enforcement operations and matters protected by attorney-client privilege. — Cate Brown, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classification

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin classificātiōn-, classificātiō, from Latin classis "group called to military service, fleet, class entry 1" + -i- -i- + -ficātiōn-, -ficātiō -fication

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classification was in 1767

Phrases Containing classification

Rhymes for classification

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Browse Nearby Words

classifiable
classification
classificationist
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Cite this Entry

“Classification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classification. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy
b
: class entry 1 sense 3a, category
classificatory
ˈklas-(ə-)fə-kə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce classification (audio) -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce classification (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
: systematic arrangement of animals and plants in groups or categories according to established criteria
specifically : taxonomy sense 2

Legal Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion
: the act or method of distributing into a class or category according to characteristics
also : a class or category determined by characteristics see also suspect classification
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