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labeling

n.
US //ˈɫeɪbəɫɪŋ// la·bel·ing
  1. 1 tagging items (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    Clear labeling on the food containers helps you find what you need quickly.

    Example

    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. 2 describing people or things (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    The labeling of students as 'slow' can hurt their confidence for a long time.

    Example

    Sociologists argue that the labeling of certain behaviors as deviant is a subjective process influenced by cultural power dynamics.

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  1. 3 scientific marking (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

    The labeling of the proteins allowed the researchers to see how they moved through the cell.

    Example

    Isotopic labeling remains a fundamental technique in metabolic research, providing a clear map of chemical pathways within the organism.

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