stratify

verb

strat·​i·​fy ˈstra-tə-ˌfī 

stratified; stratifying

transitive verb

1

: to form, deposit, or arrange in strata

2

a

: to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata

b

: to divide into a series of graded statuses

intransitive verb

: to become arranged in strata

Examples of stratify in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So far as Leigh is concerned, class is largely stratified across what compassion alone can accomplish for a person in need. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026

The sample was stratified according to political party, race and region. — New York Times, 30 June 2026

While luxury will continue to stabilize, the sector will be stratified by territories, but also categories. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 June 2026

Peach seeds stratified in the refrigerator are planted in the garden about one month before the final frost date using these same planting steps. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stratificare, from stratum + Latin -ificare -ify

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for stratify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

stratify

verb

strat·​i·​fy ˈstrat-ə-ˌfī 

stratified; stratifying

: to form, deposit, or arrange in layers

stratified rock