classified

1 of 2

adjective

clas·​si·​fied ˈkla-sə-ˌfīd How to pronounce classified (audio)
1
: divided into classes or placed in a class
classified ads
2
: withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security
classified information

classified

2 of 2

noun

: an advertisement grouped with others according to subject
usually used in plural

Examples of classified in a Sentence

Adjective The part of the report that includes classified information was removed before the report was made public.
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.
Adjective
Both the defense and prosecution requested additional time, citing the need to review classified materials and prepare motions. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 The files are currently classified. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
Blackstone is already one of the world’s largest investors in logistics assets and has been increasingly looking at deals in the Middle East, including backing UAE classifieds business Property Finder. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Google eliminated the friction of classifieds and local media, and gutted regional economies in the process. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for classified

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of classified was in 1789

Cite this Entry

“Classified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classified. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

classified

1 of 2 adjective
clas·​si·​fied ˈklas-ə-ˌfīd How to pronounce classified (audio)
1
: divided into classes or placed in a class
classified ads
2
: withheld from the knowledge of the general public for reasons of national security
classified information

classified

2 of 2 noun
: an advertisement grouped with others of the same kind
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on classified

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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