profiling

1 of 2

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

profiling

2 of 2

present participle of profile entry 2

Examples of profiling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The forensic department at Oklahoma State University then took over genealogy profiling, according to Rouse. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Encryption does not justify unnecessary collection, indefinite retention or intrusive profiling. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Our findings raise the prospect of a new form of algorithmic profiling, in which AI systems do not simply infer sensitive characteristics from appearance but also construct and propagate visual stereotypes associated with them. — Ashique Khudabukhsh, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Supporters say racial profiling is already prohibited and that legal status is determined using standard identification and verification procedures, not subjective characteristics such as the color of someone's skin. — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profiling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profiling was in 1980

Rhymes for profiling

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Browse Nearby Words

profiler
profiling
profiling machine
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Cite this Entry

“Profiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profiling. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for profiling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about profiling

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