reclassify

American  

[ree-klas-uh-fahy] / riˈklæs əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

reclassified, reclassifying

1. to classify anew.

2. to change the security classification of (information, a document, etc.).

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Other Word Forms

• reclassification noun

Etymology

Origin of reclassify

First recorded in 1915–20; re- + classify

Explanation

When you reclassify something, you change its category. A bookseller might reclassify a memoir as "fiction" after it's revealed that the author invented most of the people and events in it. Your boss where you work part-time may reclassify you as a full-time worker in the summer, when you have more time for your job. And your school might consider cheerleading to be a club, while some others have decided to reclassify it as a sport. In both cases, something has changed categories. The verb reclassify adds the "again" prefix re- to classify, which means "put into a class or group."

Example Sentences

Earlier this week the Secretary of State, Hillary Benn, had suggested it could possibly be used for a different energy support scheme if the Treasury agreed to reclassify the money.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

He was supposed to be a high school senior, but he chose to reclassify and head to college early.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

South Korea said Friday it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

It would reclassify small SUVs and so-called crossovers, which are SUVs built on carlike chassis, as passenger cars instead of light trucks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

The Board may also reclassify cities as reserve or central reserve cities, or terminate their designation as such.

From Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Phillips, Chester Arthur