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.
Now owned by the state of Bavaria, the ⁠Kehlsteinhaus ​was classified after the ​war as a historical monument recalling the Nazi period. — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026 But China's latest regulations require people classified as Chinese tax residents to self-declare worldwide income to Beijing, Wang said. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Defense Department personnel may not make any financial transaction informed by nonpublic information, regardless of whether that information is classified or unclassified, Hegseth wrote. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Leading national election forecasters have classified the Kansas Senate contest as a toss-up. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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