classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 

classified; classifying

transitive verb

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.

classifiable

ˌkla-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• assort
• break down
• categorize
• class
• codify
• compartment
• compartmentalize
• digest
• distinguish
• distribute
• grade
• group
• peg
• place
• range
• rank
• relegate
• separate
• sort
• type

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

Kansas state law classifies adultery as a class C misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to a month in jail and/or a fine. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024

On April 19, the jail classified Masten as a fall risk. —James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2024

Despite its resemblance to a zebra thanks to its striped hindquarters – a likeness that originally duped scientists into classifying them as relatives of the zebra – the okapi shares evolutionary traits with its much taller and lankier cousin. —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

But an internal company review of some of the flights that had previously been classified as business travel determined the flights should be classified as personal travel under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, according to the filing. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

Start Using TurboTax >> Best Tax Preparation Software – FAQs What Is a ‘Simple’ Tax Return? Filing a single W-2 form from an employer is classified as a straightforward tax return. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024

Avian influenza viruses, according to the CDC and USDA, are classified into two groups: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) (often seen in wild birds) and HPAI, found mostly in domestic poultry. —Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Apr. 2024

The release stated the National Weather Service confirmed two Boyd County tornadoes, one of which was classified as an EF-2. —The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024

There are six categories to classify the rotational speed of tornadoes (EF0-EF5) but just two levels to warn of tornado activity. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see class entry 1

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

classify

verb

clas·​si·​fy ˈklas-ə-ˌfī 

classified; classifying

: to arrange in or assign to classes

classify books by subjects

classifiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

classifier

-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

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