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 of categorize

• classify
• rank
• distinguish

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

Decluttering should precede organizing; the Core 4 Method (clear out, categorize, cut out, contain) simplifies the process. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026

Especially in a country like Japan, where learning can be quite rigid and everything is categorized or formatted. — Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Other tequilas, categorized as mixtos, only have to contain 51 percent agave, with the other 49 percent made from other sweeteners like cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. — Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

The Wattpad story that was published in print and digital formats by Sourcebooks Fire in 2014, four years after making its debut on the online site, was categorized as a contemporary romance for teens. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

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