1
: arranged in groups with similar things
a classified directory
2
: kept secret from all but a few people in the government
classified documents
The memo is classified.
The part of the report that includes classified information was removed before the report was made public.
plural classifieds
: a small advertisement that is grouped with others that are like it in a special section of a newspaper or magazine or on a Web site
—usually plural
I've been looking through the classifieds for a car I can afford.
job/online classifieds
called also classified advertisement, ((British)) small ad
Cite this Entry
“Classified.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/classified. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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