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

• category
• type
• kind

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species

job classifications for government workers

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike psychiatric or weight-loss drugs, finasteride's cosmetic classification may have shielded it from rigorous post-marketing scrutiny. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025

Beyond its legal implications, the case reignites debates about classification standards, selective prosecution, and national security transparency. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Since the 1960s, different international organizations have set rules and designations for five-star classifications. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025

As coalition warfare becomes the norm, integrating data across multiple partners—each with distinct platforms and classification levels—can mean the difference between success and failure. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 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