# labeling

/ˈɫeɪbəɫɪŋ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/labeling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. tagging items

noun · CEFR B2

the act of putting labels on things like boxes or products to show what they are.

For teachers: the process of attaching or printing descriptive tags onto physical objects, particularly packaged goods or inventory.

- Clear labeling on the food containers helps you find what you need quickly.
- Strict government regulations regarding the labeling of hazardous materials ensure that transport workers are aware of potential risks.

Usage: Often functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

### 2. describing people or things

noun · CEFR B2

describing someone or something using a specific word or category, often in a way that is too simple.

For teachers: the act of assigning a person or concept to a category, often implying a reductive or stereotypical classification.

- The labeling of students as 'slow' can hurt their confidence for a long time.
- Sociologists argue that the labeling of certain behaviors as deviant is a subjective process influenced by cultural power dynamics.

### 3. scientific marking

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

adding a special substance to a molecule so that scientists can track it during an experiment.

For teachers: the introduction of a traceable substance, such as a radioactive isotope or fluorescent dye, into a biomolecule for experimental tracking.

- The labeling of the proteins allowed the researchers to see how they moved through the cell.
- Isotopic labeling remains a fundamental technique in metabolic research, providing a clear map of chemical pathways within the organism.

## Examples

- She is labeling the jars in the kitchen.
- The teacher spent the morning labeling the science specimens for the class display.
- Critics argued that labeling the policy a failure was premature, given the long timeline required for measurable economic shifts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.