past and past participle
Put people or things into groups based on their shared features.
We classified the files by subject.
The samples were classified into three groups.
American English
How to pronounce classified
verb · adjectiveB2Common word
KLAAsuhfaid
/ˈkʰlæ.səˌfaɪd̚/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of classify
Put people or things into groups based on their shared features.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adjective
Arranged in groups based on shared features.
The classified ads were grouped by subject.
The classified listings appear under separate headings.
past and past participle
Decided or said that someone or something belonged to a particular type.
The painting was classified as modern art.
Experts classified the disease as rare.
adjective
Officially kept secret and not available to the public.
The journalist protected the classified documents.
Classified information must not be shared online.
Related words & forms
Before -ed, the final y changes to i: classified. Before -ing, keep the y: classifying.