classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 

classified; classifying

transitive verb

1

: to arrange in classes (see class entry 1 sense 3)

classifying books according to subject matter

2

: to consider (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group

The movie is classified as a comedy.

The vehicle is classified as a truck.

classifiable

ˌkla-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms of classify

• rank
• distinguish
• categorize
• relegate
• group
• distribute
• type
• grade
• identify
• sort
• separate

Examples of classify in a Sentence

Students will be learning about the ways scientists classify animals.

The online system can classify books by subject.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two decomposed bodies have been found within five days at a park in western North Carolina, and both cases are classified as murders, according to investigators. — Mark Price july 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026

Rather than classifying didymo as an invasive species, Taylor refers to the algae as a native species that has an invasive-like growth form. — Hannah Smith july 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026

The medical examiner’s office classified the manner of death as a homicide due to neglect, but no charges were ever filed against any Sheriff’s Office staff. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026

In fact, 71 percent of all observed species were classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, with a large share listed as endangered or vulnerable. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably in part a back-formation from classification, in part from class entry 1 + -ify

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for classify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈklas-ə-ˌfī 

classified; classifying

: to arrange in or assign to classes

classify books by subjects

classifiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

classifier

-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

Medical Definition

classify

transitive verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈklas-ə-ˌfī 

classified; classifying

: to arrange in classes that have systematic relations usually founded on common properties

how would you classify these animals