reclassify

verb

re·​clas·​si·​fy (ˌ)rē-ˈkla-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce reclassify (audio)
reclassified; reclassifying; reclassifies

transitive verb

: to move from one class, classification, or category to another : to classify again
… in the 1980s, amphetamines were reclassified as controlled substances, which restricted their availability.Stephen Rae
reclassify the product to boost sales

Examples of reclassify in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, new research suggests that some of these subpopulations may be different enough to warrant reclassifying them as distinct mammal species. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Trump is expected to sign another executive order in the next few weeks that would formally reclassify certain federal job positions as Schedule Policy/Career. Amy Lieberman, The Conversation, 14 May 2025 Lamont’s proposal would raise the cap from its current $3.9 billion to $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2026 and reclassify an additional $300 million to bypass the limit entirely—redirecting nearly $1 billion that would go toward debt reduction to fund near-term political priorities. Andrew Fowler, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 The hysteria only grew when Flagg, originally in line to graduate in 2025, reclassified and committed to Duke for the 2024-25 season. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclassify

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclassify was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Reclassify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclassify. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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