classificatory

adjective

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​to·​ry ˈkla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce classificatory (audio)
kla-ˈsi-fə-;
ˈkla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē
1
: relating to or involving classification : tending or designed to classify : taxonomic
2
ethnology
a
: characterized by a small number of kinship terms grouping in one kinship name class not only lineal relatives but also collateral relatives and even individuals having only a remote genetic relationship or none compare descriptive
b
: included in a name class in a system of this kind

Word History

Etymology

from classify, after such pairs as English justify: justificatory

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of classificatory was in 1737

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Cite this Entry

“Classificatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classificatory. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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