categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
Synonyms of categorizenext

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify
Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.
categorization noun
categorizable adjective

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
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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 See All Example Sentences for categorize

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of categorize was in 1705

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Categorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/categorize. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

categorize

verb
cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
: to put into a category : classify
categorization noun

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