classification
noun
clas·si·fi·ca·tion
ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act or process of classifying
Synonyms
Examples of classification in a Sentence
the classification of new species
job classifications for government workers
Recent Examples on the Web
They were recalled on the January 7, and the FDA gave the recall a Class II classification on February 5.
—
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Founded in 2005, UC Merced is one of 10 campuses in the University of California system and the youngest university in the United States to earn the Carnegie R2 designation – the second-highest classification for American research universities.
—
Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
However, the distinction in the St. Isidore case lies in the classification of charter schools as public schools, not private entities receiving public funds.
—
Emma Withrow, Baltimore Sun, 31 Jan. 2025
McCrae’s second objection was a dearth of genetic evidence, which is increasingly used as part of species classification.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for classification ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-13--18-07-00-xk8pp/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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.
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
Phrases Containing classification
Dictionary Entries Near classification
Cite this Entry
“Classification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classification. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
classification
noun
clas·si·fi·ca·tion
ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the act or process of classifying
2
a
: systematic arrangement in groups : taxonomy
Medical Definition
classification
noun
clas·si·fi·ca·tion
ˌklas-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən
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
Nglish: Translation of classification for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of classification for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share