'classification' originates from Latin, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'classificare' (also attested as 'classificatio'), where 'classis' meant 'a division or class' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'classificare' passed into Late Latin and Medieval Latin as 'classificatio', influenced by Old French forms such as 'classification', and eventually entered English through Middle English as 'classificacioun' before becoming the modern English word 'classification'.

Initially, it meant 'the act of making or arranging into classes', and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the action or process of classifying; the categories or system used to classify'.