categorize

verb

cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈka-ti-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
Synonyms of categorize

transitive verb

: to put into a category : classify
Birds are categorized by type in this field manual.
categorization
ˌka-ti-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce categorize (audio)
noun
categorizable
ˌka-ti-gə-ˈrī-zə-bəl How to pronounce categorize (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of categorize

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Examples of categorize in a Sentence

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways. Their opinions can be categorized as conservative. Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.
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.
Alongside the latest projections, the agency released a database that categorized occupations based on their theoretical and observed exposure to AI. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 All were categorized as printing expenses, indicating the money was being used for mail advertising. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 You could be tempted to dismiss a creative venture or categorize a social invite as frivolous, all because there are more productive things to do. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 But the 26-minute premiere wasn’t actually a movie, even if it was categorized as one. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for categorize

Word History

Etymology

see category

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of categorize was in 1705

Rhymes for categorize

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Browse Nearby Words

categorization
categorize
category
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Cite this Entry

“Categorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/categorize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

categorize

verb
cat·​e·​go·​rize ˈkat-i-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce categorize (audio)
categorized; categorizing
: to put into a category : classify
categorization
ˌkat-i-gə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce categorize (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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