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

Using data from 2024, the evaluation covered both direct and indirect carbon emissions, categorized as Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. — Time Staff, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Drawing on her background in cultural anthropology, Cathy Orr, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, says grouping similar items is a natural inclination and that humans make sense of their environment by categorizing it. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026

An easy way to categorize the many options available is by their method of installation. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Beneficiaries who are not the children of the IRA owner are categorized as NEDBs, and are subject to the 10-year rule, starting the year after the death of the IRA owner. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 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