taxonomy

American  

[tak-son-uh-mee] / tækˈsɒn ə mi /

noun

taxonomies plural

1. the science or technique of classification.

2. a classification into ordered categories.

   a proposed taxonomy of educational objectives.

3. Biology. the science dealing with the description, identification, naming, and classification of organisms.

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taxonomy British  

/ tækˈsɒnəmɪ, ˌtæksəˈnɒmɪk /

noun

1. 1. the branch of biology concerned with the classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure, origin, etc

   2. the practice of arranging organisms in this way

2. the science or practice of classification

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taxonomy Scientific  

/ tăk-sŏn′ə-mē /

1. The scientific classification of organisms into specially named groups based either on shared characteristics or on evolutionary relationships as inferred from the fossil record or established by genetic analysis.

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taxonomy Cultural  

1. The classification of living things. (See Linnean classification.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nontaxonomically
  adverb
• taxonomist
  noun
• taxonomical
  adjective
• taxonomic
  adjective
• nontaxonomical
  adjective
• taxonomically
  adverb
• nontaxonomic
  adjective
• taxonomer
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• taxonomies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of taxonomy

First recorded in 1805–15, taxonomy is from the French word taxonomie. See taxo-, -nomy

Explanation

Taxonomy is all about organizing and classifying. To make it sound more scientific, you could refer to your project of reorganizing your spice rack according to smell as a taxonomy of spices. Taxonomy is a word used mainly in biology to talk about classifying living organisms, organizing them according to their similarities. If you've ever seen a chart with animals divided into species, genus, and family, you know what scientific taxonomy is. The word comes very straightforwardly from Greek words for "arrangement" — taxis — and "method" — nomia. So any special method for arranging or organizing things can be called taxonomy.

Example Sentences

The old taxonomy still applies: people, process and technology.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

The SEC also released a token taxonomy in March clarifying that it didn’t believe most crypto transactions fell under its jurisdiction.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

“We need to work out a clear taxonomy and stick within our lanes when it comes to enforcement,” said Selig.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

As the authors note, "New species continue to be discovered, exemplified by Lycodon irwini, highlighting the ongoing progress in taxonomy and the incomplete understanding of herpetofaunal diversity and distribution in the region."

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

He lists 121 figures, and divides them according to a taxonomy that’s highly serviceable today:* grouping them according to the type of thing they did.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• allocation
• allotment
• analysis
• arrangement
• coordination
• designation
• distribution
• grade
• regulation