classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy

b

: class, category

classificatory

ˈkla-sə-fi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē  kla-ˈsi-fə-  ˈkla-sə-fə-ˌkā-tə-rē 

adjective

Synonyms of classification

• category
• type
• kind

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species

job classifications for government workers

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the classification does not necessarily mean that the shooter will be criminally charged, Sparks said. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

The new trade deal has tariffs on China shoe imports in the range of 20 percent to 27 percent, depending on classification and not including existing duties. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025

But Zajac said the Section 232 tariffs on auto parts tariffs apply only to a select set of automotive parts based on their classification. —Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025

This means that compared to other breads, sourdough is low on the glycemic index, a classification system that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods on a scale of 0-100 according to their impact on blood sugar levels. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin classificātiōn-, classificātiō, from Latin classis "group called to military service, fleet, class entry 1" + -i- -i- + -ficātiōn-, -ficātiō -fication

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classification

• Dewey decimal classification
• self-classification

Rhymes for classification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

a

: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy

b

: class entry 1 sense 3a, category

classificatory

ˈklas-(ə-)fə-kə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of classifying

2

: systematic arrangement of animals and plants in groups or categories according to established criteria

specifically : taxonomy sense 2

Legal Definition

classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion

: the act or method of distributing into a class or category according to characteristics

also : a class or category determined by characteristics see also suspect classification