categorize

[ kat-i-guh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

categorized, categorizing.

1. to arrange in categories or classes; classify.
2. to describe by labeling or giving a name to; characterize.

categorize

/ ˈkætɪɡəˌraɪz /

verb

1. tr to place in a category; classify

Derived Forms

• ˌcategoriˈzation, noun

Other Word Forms

• cat·e·go·rist [kat, -i-gawr-ist, -gohr-], noun
• cate·go·ri·zation noun
• de·cate·go·ri·zation noun
• de·cate·go·rize verb (used with object) decategorized decategorizing
• mis·cate·go·rize verb (used with object) miscategorized miscategorizing
• mis·cate·go·rized adjective
• re·cate·go·rize verb (used with object) recategorized recategorizing
• subcat·e·go·ri·zation noun
• un·cate·go·rized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of categorize¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; categor(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

Even though cooking and storing food might seem like a necessity in order to live in any kind of housing situation, legally the appliances are categorized as amenities.

From Los Angeles Times

The work of L.A.-based conceptual artist David Horvitz has never been easy to categorize.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, if you must categorize his music, then Croker is a true jazz artist.

From Los Angeles Times

He insists he's merely trying to attack "waste and fraud" in the program, falsely claiming that $700 billion a year can be categorized this way.

From Salon

As an artist he resisted labels, but he conceded that if his work is to be categorized “then it must be as ‘actors’ theatre.’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• classify
• pigeonhole