# taxonomy

/ˌtækˈsɔnəˌmi/ (US) · /tæksˈɒnəmi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taxonomy
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a system for naming and organizing things into groups based on how they are similar. It is often used in science to group animals and plants.

For teachers: a scheme of classification, especially a hierarchical one, used for the systematic categorization of organisms or concepts. Often implies a formal or scientific framework.

## Examples

- The library uses a complex taxonomy to organize its books.
- Biologists are constantly updating the taxonomy of marine life as new genetic evidence comes to light.
- The software developer created a custom taxonomy to tag and retrieve thousands of digital assets based on their resolution, format, and licensing status.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the science of classification; countable when referring to a specific system of categories.

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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.