classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 
classified; classifying
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.
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
In 2000, 11 percent of New York City students were classified as disabled.
—
Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Research found that systems were less likely to accurately classify the faces of women with darker complexions and that certain makeup patterns could render the technology null.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Thanks to the population explosion in asylums in the 1800s, doctors were finally able to observe vast numbers of mad patients, classify them, and document the results of interventions.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
While the national government views offshore wind as a pillar of its 2050 net-zero goal, the Izu region is currently only classified as a preparation zone — the earliest stage of development.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classify
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Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Research found that systems were less likely to accurately classify the faces of women with darker complexions and that certain makeup patterns could render the technology null.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Thanks to the population explosion in asylums in the 1800s, doctors were finally able to observe vast numbers of mad patients, classify them, and document the results of interventions.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
While the national government views offshore wind as a pillar of its 2050 net-zero goal, the Izu region is currently only classified as a preparation zone — the earliest stage of development.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classify
Cite this Entry
“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in or assign to classes
classify books by subjects
classifier
noun
-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
classify
transitive verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
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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