profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ How to pronounce profiling (audio)
: the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies
consumer profiling
specifically : the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior
racial profiling

Examples of profiling in a Sentence

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.
In Mindhunter, the agent interviews Brudos — played by Anderson in season 1 of the series and in season 3 of Monster — to help develop profiling techniques for catching serial killers. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 An audit found Maricopa County and its Sheriff's Office overstated compliance costs for a racial profiling lawsuit by $163 million. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Continue reading … WILD IDEA – Whoopi Goldberg suggests Americans test racial profiling claims at the Super Bowl. FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Early analysis of the 12-foot-long device showed sensors measuring temperature, depth, and seawater salinity—hallmarks of an oceanographic profiling mission, Tarriela said. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profiling

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiling was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

profiling

noun
pro·​fil·​ing
: the practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics
specifically : the discriminatory practice of profiling based on race or ethnicity
racial profiling

More from Merriam-Webster on profiling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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