stratified

adjective

strat·​i·​fied ˈstra-tə-ˌfīd 

1

: formed, deposited, or arranged in stable layers or strata

Such forced ascent of stable air leads to the formation of a stratified cloud layer that is large horizontally compared to its thickness.

—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium forming the barrier that excludes harmful microbes and retains body fluids.

—Terry Lechler et al.

2

: divided into social classes

Through farming and fishing, they supported a dense population and highly stratified society that constructed irrigation canals, pyramids, palaces, and temples.

—Christopher B. Donnan

Examples of stratified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The troposphere is noisy and chaotic, while the stratosphere above it is calmer and more stratified. — Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Nov. 2025

Its portfolio spans high-end landmark projects and regional core malls, reflecting stratified demand across markets. — Li Jun, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

The risk is that language study becomes more stratified, remaining common in private schools and affluent districts while shrinking elsewhere. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

The team used a two-step process of stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting to ensure the sample was representative, the website says. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stratified

• stratified charge engine

Rhymes for stratified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Medical Definition

stratified

adjective

strat·​i·​fied ˈstrat-ə-ˌfīd 

: arranged in layers

especially : of, relating to, or being an epithelium consisting of more than one layer of cells