profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ How to pronounce profiling (audio)
Synonyms of profilingnext
: 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
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The donation will also support research initiatives advancing precision medicine approaches including studies of treatment response, comprehensive molecular profiling to personalize therapy and the application of artificial intelligence to detect trends that can guide more effective care. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 The incident reignited scrutiny of Beverly Hills Police’s treatment of Black people amid an ongoing $500-million class-action lawsuit alleging systemic racial profiling. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 Racial profiling is virtually a stated part of the department’s strategy, and ad campaigns have openly espoused white-nationalist rhetoric and talking points. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026 Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s Office accused ICE of using racial profiling in identifying who to arrest or detain while delivering testimony before the committee. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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

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