# sorting

/ˈsɔɹtɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈɔːtɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. organising items

noun · CEFR B1

the process of putting things into a specific order or into different groups.

For teachers: the systematic arrangement of items into groups or a sequence based on specific criteria.

- The sorting of the mail takes several hours every morning at the post office.
- Efficient sorting of recyclable materials at the source significantly reduces the cost of waste management for the municipality.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a gerund followed by 'of'.

### 2. data processing

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

arranging information in a computer, like putting names in alphabetical order.

For teachers: the algorithmic process of arranging data in a specific order, such as numerical or alphabetical.

- The computer finished the sorting of the database in just a few seconds.
- The developer implemented a more efficient sorting algorithm to handle the massive influx of user data during peak hours.

## Examples

- The sorting of the mail takes two hours every morning.
- After the harvest, the sorting of the fruit by size and quality ensures that only the best produce reaches the market.
- Efficient data management relies on sophisticated sorting algorithms that can organize millions of records in a fraction of a second based on user-defined parameters.

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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.