profiling
noun
pro·fil·ing
ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ 
: 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
Genetic genealogy — where DNA profiling and testing is essentially combined with typical investigative methods for tracing family trees — helped identify potential relatives that gave investigators new leads to pursue.
—
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 16 May 2024
The bill also includes a provision long-sought by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus as a bulwark against racial profiling.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for profiling 
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 16 May 2024
The bill also includes a provision long-sought by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus as a bulwark against racial profiling.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for profiling
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'profiling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near profiling
Cite this Entry
“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 24 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share