categorize

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

Synonyms of categorize

• classify
• rank
• distinguish

Examples of categorize in a Sentence

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

The finding determined that six greenhouse gases could be categorized as dangerous to human health under the Clean Air Act. —Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Then, by categorizing values by risk, the platform can reportedly identify high-value customers, first-time buyers, return abusers and fraudsters. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026

More than 1,800 of those were categorized as serious, which companies are required to submit to the FDA within 15 days and can include death or other life-threatening reactions. —Austin Fast, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

Our methodology To determine the top rental platforms, CNBC Select categorized our picks by best for renting out your home, best for renting out your pool, best for renting out your car and best for renting out miscellaneous items. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

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