Dewey decimal classification

Trademark.

1. a system of classifying books and other works into ten main classes of knowledge with further subdivision in these classes by use of the numbers of a decimal system: devised by Melvil Dewey, published in 1876, and used in many libraries in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dewey decimal classification¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

“Our ninth game,” said Dr. Zinchenko, “is inspired by the Dewey decimal classification 510.”

From Literature

“Dr. Z is headed upstairs for the zero-three-zeros. That’s the Dewey decimal classification for encyclopedias and books of facts.”

From Literature

My own Dewey Decimal Classification is 306.765, for bisexual.

From New York Times

As a librarian who has dated both men and women, I couldn’t help but think of how my various loves would be categorized by the Dewey Decimal Classification.

From New York Times

As you may recall from grade school, Dewey was the man behind the Dewey Decimal Classification system, the schema of numbers and subject areas used at libraries around the world to categorize books.

From Slate