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

Once expenses were properly categorized and compared against operating expectations, several areas stood out, giving the management team specific expenses to investigate rather than simply telling the owner that costs were up. — David Crown, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The part that makes the idea harder to categorize may also be the part people remember. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

As for the biggest fall, that belongs to Texas A&M after the Aggies suffered what most would categorize as a shocking home upset against Kentucky. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Surfaces were scrubbed down, while dishes were washed and categorized into what Voraotsady had brought and what belonged to OK YAKI. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 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