profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ How to pronounce profiling (audio)
Synonyms of profilingnext
: the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies
consumer profiling
specifically : the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior
racial profiling

Examples of profiling 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.
The agreement comes after 23 people sued the Antioch Police Department in 2023, alleging officers engaged in racial profiling and used excessive force. Da Lin, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025 The cities of Ann Arbor and East Lansing are making an effort to reduce citizens contacts with police and racial profiling by implementing a minor stops policy. Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 17 Dec. 2025 At the entrance, there is once again the hero fragrance profiling table. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025 All of this is happening amid a time when the far-right efforts are attacking DEI and American values, while the Supreme Court has let ICE use racial profiling, and much more. Essence, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profiling

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiling was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

profiling

noun
pro·​fil·​ing
: the practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics
specifically : the discriminatory practice of profiling based on race or ethnicity
racial profiling

More from Merriam-Webster on profiling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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