categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify

Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.

categorization

ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

categorizable

ˌka-ti-gə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples of categorize in a Sentence

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways.

Their opinions can be categorized as conservative.

Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.

Recent Examples on the Web

In Systema Naturae, Linnaeus categorized life by species, genera, orders, classes, and kingdoms. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 2 May 2025

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman refused to categorize Campbell as only an off-ball linebacker, instead emphasizing the team’s desire to disrupt the passing game. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Stress comes at us every day from many angles but can be categorized in two ways: malignant stress and motivational stress. —Jay Sullivan, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Certain features categorize insomnia, and there are several distinctions and types. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for categorize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize
• democratize

Kids Definition

categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz 

categorized; categorizing

: to put into a category : classify

categorization

ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun