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
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.
Racial profiling is deeply embedded in these systems, which are also increasingly operational within community policing. Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 This is unfair to tarantulas, who are not known for their racial profiling. Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 There were also racial profiling incidents targeting the city's large Latino and Somali population, Hodges told NPR. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026 The operations his team conducted spurred lawsuits and allegations of racial profiling. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Twin Cities, 17 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 4 Apr. 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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