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As a noun, sort means 'kind' and refers to a particular group or type, and when talking about people, especially in British English, it means 'of a particular character or nature.' As a verb, sort means 'to arrange something in groups' or 'to classify it in a particular order.' In computing, a sort is the arrangement of data.
Example sentences
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The new city zoo is full of animals of all sorts.
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Eva's new boyfriend seems to be a decent sort, not like all the others.
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We need to sort our books and decide which ones to keep and which to donate.
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Jen was sorting her notes so she could start writing her thesis.
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Our company needs a computer that is able to perform fast and efficient sorts.
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Multi-word forms
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sort of: an informal way of saying 'to some extent.' Example "Are you sure about doing it? Sort of, but I'm worried it will be too difficult."
sort out (verb): create clarity, order or resolve something difficult. Example: "We need to sort out our differences or we'll never be able to work together."
sort out (noun, UK): tidying by putting things in order and throwing out things that are no longer needed. Example: "My food cupboard really needs a sort out; I can't find anything in there."
out of sorts: annoyed, upset, or ill. Example "He's feeling out of sorts today, so he called in sick."
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Did you know?
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In UK English, sorted, the past participle of sort, can be used informally as an interjection when you want to say that something has been dealt with, a solution to a problem has been found, or a course of action has been decided upon. Example: "Did you manage to get all your work done?" "Yes, sorted!" or "So, Gavin is going to take over this project? Great, sorted!" In US English, there is not a single word we use when they would say sorted in the UK. Instead, we usually just say a sentence that makes sense, given the context. For example: "Yes, I finished it," "Yes, it's taken care of," or "Yes, he is."
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Other forms
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sortable (adjective), sortably (adverb)
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Origin
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As a noun, sort dates back to the first half of the 13th century. As a verb, it comes from the Middle Latin word sortīrī, meaning 'to draw lots,' and the Middle French word sortir.
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