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
Slopes or embankments are classified by their gradient (vertical rise over 100 feet).
—
The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
The case was classified as an animal bite but the animal has yet to be recovered, according to Oldoerp.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The World Health Organization now classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and research shows that the average person’s attention span has dropped nearly 50% in the last two decades.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
Gen Z is entering the toughest job market in years, and millions are struggling with unemployment, with a record number classified as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training).
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classify
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The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
The case was classified as an animal bite but the animal has yet to be recovered, according to Oldoerp.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The World Health Organization now classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and research shows that the average person’s attention span has dropped nearly 50% in the last two decades.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
Gen Z is entering the toughest job market in years, and millions are struggling with unemployment, with a record number classified as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training).
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 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 21 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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