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

The card combines payment capabilities with financial management tools, helping business owners to track employee expenses, track and organize receipts and categorize expenses. — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

As the commercial loads in the English- and Spanish-language broadcasts were not identical, Nielsen does not categorize the two feeds as uniform simulcasts. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 July 2026

Many budgeting apps automatically sync bank transactions and can even categorize them for you. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Each report was reviewed and categorized by the type of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 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