classified

1 of 2

adjective

clas·​si·​fied ˈkla-sə-ˌfīd How to pronounce classified (audio)
Synonyms of classifiednext
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
But some of those feelings are shared by many within the building, after OpenAI struck a deal with the Pentagon on Friday to use its AI models in classified systems. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 Last Friday, competitor OpenAI struck a deal with the Pentagon to take Anthropic’s place, offering AI services for classified uses. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
From the beginning, CoStar's plan to build a dominant online classifieds business in the U.S. RRE industry was deeply flawed. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026 Despite that, classifieds rival Dubizzle pulled its IPO last year after its prospectus revealed four years of losses. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classified

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1909, 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 7 Mar. 2026.

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

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