reclassify

verb

re·​clas·​si·​fy (ˌ)rē-ˈkla-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce reclassify (audio)
reclassified; reclassifying; reclassifies

transitive verb

: to move from one class, classification, or category to another : to classify again
… in the 1980s, amphetamines were reclassified as controlled substances, which restricted their availability.Stephen Rae
reclassify the product to boost sales

Examples of reclassify in a Sentence

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.
In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, a ballot initiative that reclassified several nonviolent felonies, including shoplifting, theft and drug possession, as misdemeanors if the value involved was $950 or less. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025 Over the past month, this version of the Knicks has reclassified itself. Fred Katz, New York Times, 21 May 2025 After reclassifying ahead a year, Flagg entered college at 17 and didn’t turn 18 until December. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Being labeled as an English learner affords a student additional resources partly subsidized by additional state funding that is meant to help the student get reclassified to fluent English proficiency status. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclassify

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclassify was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Reclassify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclassify. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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