classify

verb

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

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 adjective

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 Trust is classified as a 'grantor trust' for United States federal income tax purposes, meaning the Trust itself is not subject to federal income tax. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Due to this, certain states can be classified as battleground states or swing states, meaning that they can be won by either presidential candidate. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024 Many types of true lilies are classified based on specific traits, such as bloom shape and growth. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024 Union Rights for Ride-Hailing Drivers A significant measure would extend union rights to drivers for popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, who are currently classified as independent contractors under federal law, barring them from unionizing. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near classify

Cite this Entry

“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on classify

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!