- present participle of sort.
sorting
Americannoun
-
The process by which sediment particles that have a certain characteristic, such as a given shape or grain size, are separated from other associated particles by an active agent of transportation, such as wind, a stream, or a glacier.
-
A measure of the degree to which this process has occurred within a body of sediment. Wind-blown sediments are usually well-sorted because only a small range of grain sizes can be lifted by a particular wind velocity. Glacially derived sediments are usually poorly sorted because of the great range of particle sizes that are picked up by a moving glacier.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of sorting
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sorting AI winners from AI laggards has been one of the toughest calls for investors in 2026.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
The feature will allow visitors to relive the famous moment where protagonist Harry experiences the Sorting Hat.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Sorting through wonky government websites in a moment of crisis is not a pleasant undertaking, so it’s best to begin exploring options before the end approaches, if you can.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
Sorting through AI’s effect on the job market has been challenging.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
HARRY: If it matters to you,you, the Sorting Hat will take your feelings into account.
From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
