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

With this much space, the entire region can’t be categorized in any one specific way—except with the word dramatic. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Images get treated and categorized one way; PDFs another; text notes another. — David Pierce, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2026

Shigella infections categorized as extensively drug-resistant, or XDR, are rising. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026

The new system will organize types of data that proved difficult to categorize in the past — such as the ways firms make difficult decisions — to make the rankings more authoritative. — Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 15 Oct. 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