classification

noun

clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups or categories according to established criteria
specifically : taxonomy

Examples of classification in a Sentence

the classification of new species job classifications for government workers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the recall process has now been marked as completed by the FDA, its classification raises important questions about food labeling accuracy, allergen safety, and how mistakes in large-scale food distribution can put consumers at risk. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Missing from the administration was information about specific funding sources, affected programs and impacted job classifications, the LAO reported. William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 Currently, probation officers are able to move up probation officer classification grades in a five-year period, Froemke said. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2025 On February 21, the FDA announced its classification of the recall as Class I, the highest risk category due to the fact that the undeclared allergen could cause severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions in those unable to eat it. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for classification

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin classificātiōn-, classificātiō, from Latin classis "group called to military service, fleet, class entry 1" + -i- -i- + -ficātiōn-, -ficātiō -fication

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classification was in 1767

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Cite this Entry

“Classification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classification. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy
classificatory adjective

Medical Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce classification (audio)
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
: systematic arrangement of animals and plants in groups or categories according to established criteria
specifically : taxonomy sense 2

Legal Definition

classification

noun
clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion
: the act or method of distributing into a class or category according to characteristics
also : a class or category determined by characteristics see also suspect classification

More from Merriam-Webster on classification

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