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.
There's been widespread reports alleging people being stopped because of racial profiling. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 There was the story of these off-duty Minnesota police who alleged racial profiling by ICE officers, and there’ve been other stories like that. Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026 Vance said accusations of racial profiling are concerning, but said there needs to be more fact-finding if the incident actually occurred. Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026 Markey asks if companies will use private chats for commercial profiling. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on profiling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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