classified ad

noun

1. an advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, or the like generally dealing with offers of or requests for jobs, houses, apartments, used cars, and the like.

Word History and Origins

Origin of classified ad¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

His family said the 26-year-old had spent the better part of a decade scouring online classified ads first on Craigslist and, more recently, on Marketplace in search of vehicles that he could buy and resell for a profit.

From ProPublica

Although it only cites classified ads as its example of the neighbouring market of particular concern for its probe.

From TechCrunch

She designed the cover art herself, enlisted a group of friends to glue it on record jackets, and sold the first thousand copies with help from classified ads in feminist publications such as Ms.

From Washington Post

In 1974, a small classified ad in an issue of Magic Magazine allegedly offered up an unusual prop for sale.

From The Daily Beast

Then, in April, the detailed accusation describing Zelich as a predator was posted on a classified ad website.

From The Daily Beast

A classified ad in some of the poultry papers or farm papers in your state will usually find you good customers.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Classified Ad

What is a classified ad?

A classified ad is an advertisement selling or looking for individual items, such as a piece of furniture or a place to live. Classified ads are generally placed by individuals rather than by organizations and sell a limited number of items.

The term classified here doesn’t describe ads that are secret or available only to authorized people. Instead it describes ads that are organized in a specific way, most often by whether the person who placed the ad is selling or buying and the type of item. So you might see a classified ads section organized into “For Sale” and “Wanted.” Within those sections, you might see “Apartments,” “Cars,” “Furniture,” and similar categories.

Classified ads, or classifieds,  are different from ads placed elsewhere in the publication. Classifieds are normally placed by individuals or small, local businesses rather than large organizations. The ads generally are for a limited number of the item offered. They also usually cost less than regular ads because they are smaller and grouped together in one section.

Classified ads were first seen in newspapers and magazines and can still be found there. You can also find classifieds in online newspapers, magazines, and online-only publications. Some publications and websites contain only classified ads. Craigslist and Mercari are examples of websites devoted completely to classified ads.

Example: To sell her truck, Ketanji put a classified ad in her local paper.

Where does classified ad come from?

The first records of classified ad come from around the early 1900s. In this context, classified means “arranged in classes or categories.” Classified ads are usually categorized by the items in the ads, such as cars or furniture, and offer (or want) a limited number of items, such as selling one car or looking for one apartment to rent.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to classified ad?

• classified (noun)

What are some synonyms for classified ad?

• classified advertisement
• want ad

What are some words that share a root or word element with classified ad? 

• classifieds
• ad
• advertisement
• classified advertising

What are some words that often get used in discussing classified ad?

• car
• local
• newsletter
• newspaper
• offer
• sales
• service

How is classified ad used in real life?

People place classified ads in newspapers and on sites like Craigslist to sell their unwanted items or to find a wanted item. Classified ad is used to distinguish ads placed by individuals with more expensive ads selling a large or unlimited amount of items and usually placed by organizations.

Today (Friday) marks my 20th anniversary at The Gazette. On Jan. 18, 1999, he began my first day as a Classified Ad Coordinator. Mary Orth hired me. Ten months later, I joined the Sports Department, working in both departments for a few weeks until they replaced me.

— K.J. Pilcher (@kjpilcher) January 18, 2019

My memories of the Manila Bulletin: it was the thickest newspaper because of the classified ads. We used it to wrap de lata at our store. My dad, sisters, and I also photocopied the crossword so we could all answer. We read the Inquirer.

— Miss Maggie (@MiaMagdalena) March 19, 2022

"WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE" – Schrödinger places a classified ad for a new cat.

— Pundamentalism (@Pundamentalism) August 15, 2012

 

Try using classified ad!

True or False?

If you wanted to sell your old textbooks, you could place a classified ad to do so.