categorize

1 of 2

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify

Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.

categorization

ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

categorizable

ˌka-ti-gə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

categorization

2 of 2

noun

cat·​e·​go·​ri·​za·​tion ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌrī-ˈzā-;

-tə-ˌgȯr-ə-ˈzā-

plural -s

: the act of categorizing or the state of being categorized : classification

Synonyms of categorize

Verb

• classify
• rank
• distinguish

Examples of categorize in a Sentence

Verb

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways.

Their opinions can be categorized as conservative.

Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Not all aggressive plants are invasive, but in some cases an aggressive, non-native plant can be categorized as invasive. — Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

The vast majority of states also allow vaccine exemptions for non-medical reasons, which may be categorized as religious or personal. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Although complaints about rearview cameras are categorized separately by JD Power, buggy infotainment systems can sometimes prevent the rearview image from being displayed on the main infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Be honest about needs versus wants One of the biggest challenges with the 50/30/20 rule is correctly categorizing expenses. — Javier Simon, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

see category

First Known Use

Verb

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for categorize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize
• democratize

Kids Definition

categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

: to put into a category : classify

categorization

ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun