classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy

b

: class, category

classificatory

ˈkla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē  kla-ˈsi-fə-  ˈkla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bracket
• category
• class
• division
• family
• genus
• grade
• group
• kind
• league
• order
• rank(s)
• rubric
• set
• species
• tier
• type

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species

job classifications for government workers

Recent Examples on the Web

The union has panned changes made to the driver pay classification system that resulted in some workers driving 100 kilometers to pick up freight without getting any compensation. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025

However, with astronomers’ rapidly growing capabilities for characterizing alien worlds, astrobiologists need an approach that is more quantitative and nuanced than the water or no-water classification. —Daniel Apai, Space.com, 15 June 2025

So to go for the general classification would be a little absurd. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 June 2025

He was charged with the highest possible disciplinary offense, a Class A, which brought his housing classification up from a minimum-security custody level to maximum. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin classificātiōn-, classificātiō, from Latin classis "group called to military service, fleet, class entry 1" + -i- -i- + -ficātiōn-, -ficātiō -fication

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classification

• Dewey decimal classification
• self-classification

Rhymes for classification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy

b

: class entry 1 sense 3a, category

classificatory

ˈklas-(ə-)fə-kə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

: systematic arrangement of animals and plants in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy sense 2

Legal Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion

: the act or method of distributing into a class or category according to characteristics

also : a class or category determined by characteristics see also suspect classification