classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 
classified; classifying
1
: to arrange in classes (see class entry 1 sense 3)
classifying books according to subject matter
2
: to consider (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group
The movie is classified as a comedy.
The vehicle is classified as a truck.
Examples of classify in a Sentence
Students will be learning about the ways scientists classify animals.
The online system can classify books by subject.
Recent Examples on the Web
The commander in chief has broad authority to personally classify or declassify documents as delegated by proper processes under Executive Order 13526, issued by Obama, said Liza Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program.
—
Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Though classified as a software firm, Strategy has effectively transformed itself into a Bitcoin holding vehicle, financing large Bitcoin purchases through debt and equity issuance.
—Mariana Trujillo, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Children under 13 will be limited to platforms built specifically for their age group, while those aged 13 to 16 will be permitted only on services classified as low risk, and only with parental consent.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Many other nations across Europe and further afield also classify data centers as critical.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classify
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Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Though classified as a software firm, Strategy has effectively transformed itself into a Bitcoin holding vehicle, financing large Bitcoin purchases through debt and equity issuance.
—Mariana Trujillo, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Children under 13 will be limited to platforms built specifically for their age group, while those aged 13 to 16 will be permitted only on services classified as low risk, and only with parental consent.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Many other nations across Europe and further afield also classify data centers as critical.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classify
Cite this Entry
“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in or assign to classes
classify books by subjects
classifier
noun
-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
classify
transitive verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in classes that have systematic relations usually founded on common properties
how would you classify these animals
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