Dewey Decimal System

/ ˈdjuːɪ /

noun

1. a frequently used system of library book classification and arrangement with ten main subject classes Also calleddecimal classification DDS

Dewey decimal system

1. A system used in libraries for the classification of books and other publications. It uses the numbers 000 to 999 to cover the general fields of knowledge and subdivides each field by the use of decimals and letters. Named after its inventor, Melvil Dewey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dewey Decimal System¹

C19: named after Melvil Dewey (1851–1931), US educator who invented the system

Example Sentences

She criticized the Dewey Decimal System for including “overwhelmingly Christian” works in a 2013 article called “Queering the Catalog: Queer Theory and the Politics of Correction.”

From Washington Times

In my own library visits I'd also frequently wind up with something from a different place in the Dewey decimal system too.

From Salon

For those creeped out by the thought of machines turning evil, recent developments are enough to pine for the days when the Dewey Decimal System reigned supreme.

From Seattle Times

Hummel says, “I know librarians who organize their home libraries by the Dewey decimal system, but I am not one of them. That said, I do have my books organized quite intentionally by topic.”

From Seattle Times

“Growing up, one of his goals was to read all the books in his school library,” Ogriseck explains, “so he went straight through the Dewey Decimal System.”

From Seattle Times