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

• classify
• rank
• distinguish
• relegate

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

Artworks, curated from the foundation’s existing collection, are categorized under four broad themes that explore architecture, the living world, techniques and materials, and the relationship between science and artistic creation. —CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025

On Sunday, Haynes said police categorized the most recent incident as theft with hate toward the LGBTQ+ community. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025

All rezoning cases or changes to the city map, Singler said, are categorized as ordinances, therefore requiring two public readings. —Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

The courses are free to all Sani Resort guests and are categorized into family, teen, and adult lessons. —Essence, 20 Oct. 2025

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