classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈkla-sə-ˌfī 
classified; classifying
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.
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
Some would impose net neutrality requirements or classify ISPs as utilities, the filing said.
—
ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Birders and organizations such as the American Ornithological Society have always classified them as separate species.
—Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Snails were classified as fish by the Catholic Church and could even be eaten during Lent.
—Garritt C. Van Dyk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
Although the case was resolved, the offense remains on Dixon's record and is classified as a violation of the terms of her green card under U.S. immigration law.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for classify
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ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Birders and organizations such as the American Ornithological Society have always classified them as separate species.
—Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Snails were classified as fish by the Catholic Church and could even be eaten during Lent.
—Garritt C. Van Dyk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
Although the case was resolved, the offense remains on Dixon's record and is classified as a violation of the terms of her green card under U.S. immigration law.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for classify
Cite this Entry
“Classify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classify. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classify
verb
clas·si·fy
ˈklas-ə-ˌfī
classified; classifying
: to arrange in or assign to classes
classify books by subjects
classifier
noun
-ˌfī(-ə)r
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
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