categorize

American  

[kat-i-guh-rahyz] / ˈkæt ɪ gəˌraɪz /

especially British, categorise

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.

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categorize British  

/ ˈkætɪɡəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to place in a category; classify

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Other Word Forms

• categorist noun
• categorization noun
• decategorization noun
• decategorize verb (used with object)
• miscategorize verb (used with object)
• miscategorized adjectivemiscategorized, miscategorizing
• recategorize verb (used with object)
• subcategorization noun
• uncategorized adjective

Etymology

Origin of categorize

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

Example Sentences

The film’s title translates to “national treasure,” another clichéd term thrown around when trying to categorize greatness.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

This administration is not the first to use AI; federal agencies have been gradually stitching the technology into their work for years, including to translate documents, analyze data and categorize public comments, among other uses.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

AI has enhanced the process by being able to recognize different types of documents and fonts, and by learning how to classify or categorize the data so it can enter it into a tax return.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Companies that utilize AI to categorize their workforce will be seen by investors as stronger investments.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

I would learn information and familiarize myself with ways to categorize it along certain topic lines.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Related Words

• classify
• pigeonhole