categorize

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But even a single app can be tough to categorize. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters. Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025 Nursing homes on this ranking are categorized by state and size – including small, medium and large facilities based on the number of beds. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 The Versace business was not included in Capri Holdings’ first-quarter sales as it is being categorized as a discontinued operation. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025 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 6 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on categorize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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