sort through — to examine and organize items by separating them into different groups or categories
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to examine and organize items by separating them into different groups or categories
Pronunciation (IPA): /sɔːrt θruː/
Example Sentences
- My mom spent the whole weekend sorting through my childhood toys to donate.
- I'm still sorting through 500 wedding photos to find the perfect ones.
- The detective had to sort through thousands of clues to solve the case.
sort through
NOUN[/sɔːrt θruː/]
to examine and organize items by separating them into different groups or categories

a woman carefully picks up various objects from a large cardboard box and examines each one closely. She holds up a ceramic mug, inspects it, then places it on a table with other kitchen items. Next she pulls out a children's toy and sets it aside with other toys in a separate pile. Behind her, a helper watches as organized groups of books, clothes, and household items grow on different tables. someone examining and organizing items by separating them into different groups or categories

Sort through your sport gear on the court!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Sort derives from Latin 'sors' meaning 'fate' or 'kind,' which evolved to denote classification and selection. Through originates from Old English 'thurh,' meaning 'by way of' or 'across.' Together, the phrase emerged in Middle English to describe the process of classifying or separating items by passing them through a selective method.
Breakdown
sort (from Latin sors, 'fate/kind' → 'to separate into kinds') + through (from Old English thurh, 'by way of/across'). The compound phrase combines the notion of classification with the concept of physical passage or progression.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom spent the whole weekend sorting through my childhood toys to donate.”
“I'm still sorting through 500 wedding photos to find the perfect ones.”
“The detective had to sort through thousands of clues to solve the case.”
“After my grandfather passed away, we spent days sorting through his collections.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.