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.
Understanding local labor laws ensures proper classification and benefits. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The classification for that payment was redacted on the documents provided to the Observer. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025 The essay concerns the classification of knowledge using categories and simple systems—letters and numbers—that result in forms of order that are often incomplete, arbitrary, or absurd. Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025 The appearance of chondrites that crash into a larger planetary body like Earth is measured through a shock classification system, with stages ranging from S1 (unshocked) to S6 (very strongly shocked). Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 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 8 May. 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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