Label vs. Labeling — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Label" refers to a descriptor or tag attached to items, while "labeling" is the process of creating and applying these labels.
Difference Between Label and Labeling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Label" typically denotes a noun, referring to the identifier attached to products, items, or documents to provide information, whereas "labeling" acts as a verb or gerund, describing the act of attaching these identifiers.
In practical applications, a label might display content such as ingredients, brand name, or instructions, while labeling involves the selection, design, and affixation of these labels onto products.
The function of a label is often static, serving as a quick reference or identifier, whereas the process of labeling can be dynamic and complex, involving regulatory compliance and design considerations.
Technological tools can be used to create labels, employing software for design and printers for production, whereas labeling processes may integrate automated systems for applying labels at high speeds.
Labels are crucial for user understanding and legal compliance, providing necessary information at a glance; labeling processes ensure that these labels are correctly applied to maintain consistency and readability.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb (Gerund when noun)
Function
Identifies or describes
Involves creating or applying labels
Usage Context
Used on products, files, etc.
Used in manufacturing, packaging, etc.
Associated Actions
None inherently
Design, print, apply
Importance in Business
Essential for information and compliance
Critical for operations and automation
Compare with Definitions
Label
A classification term used to categorize people or items in a specific group.
His label as a 'whiz kid' followed him from high school to college.
Labeling
The act of attaching labels to products during manufacturing.
Labeling the packages took longer than expected due to machine malfunction.
Label
A recording company that manages artists and markets their music.
She signed a contract with a major label last year.
Labeling
The process of creating labels for various purposes.
Labeling all chemicals in the lab is a strict safety protocol.
Label
A tag or sticker on a product that provides information about its origin, use, or disposal.
The label on the bottle listed all the nutritional facts.
Labeling
The application of labels by a machine in a production line.
Automated labeling ensures precision and speed in the packaging line.
Label
A name or term used derogatorily to stereotype individuals.
The label nerd often carries a mix of positive and negative connotations.
Labeling
The method of marking files for organization or archival purposes.
Labeling old documents helps in their retrieval during audits.
Label
A graphic element in a user interface indicating user input.
The form’s label clearly asked for the user's date of birth.
Labeling
Assigning terms or categories to people or concepts, often in a social context.
The practice of labeling any dissent as unpatriotic is troubling.
Label
A label (as distinct from signage) is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed directly on a container or article can also be considered labelling.
Labeling
An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.
Label
An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.
Labeling
A descriptive term; an epithet.
Label
A descriptive term; an epithet.
Labeling
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
Label
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
Labeling
(Architecture) A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
Label
(Architecture) A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
Labeling
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
Label
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
Labeling
(Chemistry) See tracer.
Label
(Chemistry) See tracer.
Labeling
To attach a label to
Labeled the jars before storing them.
Label
To attach a label to
Labeled the jars before storing them.
Labeling
To identify or designate with a descriptive term; describe or classify
"He missed two crucial penalty kicks ... and was labeled a loser by the previously loyal British press" (Phil Ball).
Label
To identify or designate with a descriptive term; describe or classify
"He missed two crucial penalty kicks ... and was labeled a loser by the previously loyal British press" (Phil Ball).
Labeling
(Chemistry) To add a tracer to (a compound).
Label
(Chemistry) To add a tracer to (a compound).
Labeling
A set of labels applied to the various objects in a system.
Label
A small ticket or sign giving information about something to which it is attached or intended to be attached.
We laughed at her because the label was still on her new sweater.
The label says this silk scarf should not be washed in the washing machine.
Although the label priced this poster at three pounds, I got it for two.
Labeling
(biochemistry) The introduction of a traceable chemical group (e.g., containing an isotope or a fluorescent dye) into a protein or other biomolecule of interest so it can be tracked or quantified during experimental analysis.
Label
A name given to something or someone to categorise them as part of a particular social group.
Ever since he started going to the rock club, he's been given the label "waster".
Labeling
Present participle of label
Label
(music) A company that sells records.
The label signed the band after hearing a demo tape.
Label
(computing) A user-defined alias for a numerical designation, the reverse of an enumeration.
Storage devices can be given by label or ID.
Label
(computing) A named place in source code that can be jumped to using a GOTO or equivalent construct.
Label
(heraldry) A charge resembling the strap crossing the horse’s chest from which pendants are hung.
Label
(obsolete) A tassel.
Label
A small strip, especially of paper or parchment (or of some material attached to parchment to carry the seal), but also of iron, brass, land, etc.
Label
A piece of writing added to something, such as a codicil appended to a will.
Label
(historical) A brass rule with sights, formerly used with a circumferentor to take altitudes.
Label
(architecture) The projecting moulding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in mediaeval architecture.
Label
In mediaeval and later art, a representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription.
Label
(graphical user interface) A non-interactive control or widget displaying text, often used to describe the purpose of another control.
Label
(transitive) To put a label (a ticket or sign) on (something).
The shop assistant labeled all the products in the shop.
Label
(ditransitive) To give a label to (someone or something) in order to categorise that person or thing.
He's been unfairly labeled as a cheat, although he's only ever cheated once.
Label
(biochemistry) To replace specific atoms by their isotope in order to track the presence or movement of this isotope through a reaction, metabolic pathway or cell.
Label
(biochemistry) To add a detectable substance, either transiently or permanently, to a biological substance in order to track the presence of the label-substance combination either in situ or in vitro
Label
A tassel.
Label
A slip of silk, paper, parchment, etc., affixed to anything, and indicating, usually by an inscription, the contents, ownership, destination, etc.; as, the label of a bottle or a package.
Label
A slip of ribbon, parchment, etc., attached to a document to hold the appended seal; also, the seal.
Label
A writing annexed by way of addition, as a codicil added to a will.
Label
A barrulet, or, rarely, a bendlet, with pendants, or points, usually three, especially used as a mark of cadency to distinguish an eldest or only son while his father is still living.
Label
A brass rule with sights, formerly used, in connection with a circumferentor, to take altitudes.
Label
The name now generally given to the projecting molding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in mediæval architecture. It always has a square form, as in the illustration.
Label
In mediæval art, the representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription.
Label
To affix a label to; to mark with a name, etc.; as, to label a bottle or a package.
Label
To affix in or on a label.
Label
A brief description given for purposes of identification;
The label Modern is applied to many different kinds of architecture
Label
Trade name of a company that produces musical recordings;
The artists and repertoire department of a recording label is responsible for finding new talent
Label
A radioactive isotope that is used in a compound in order to trace the mechanism of a chemical reaction
Label
An identifying or descriptive marker that is attached to an object
Label
Assign a label to; designate with a label;
These students were labelled `learning disabled'
Label
Attach a tag or label to;
Label these bottles
Label
Pronounce judgment on;
They labeled him unfit to work here
Label
Distinguish (as a compound or molecule) by introducing a labeled atom
Label
Distinguish (an element or atom) by using a radioactive isotope or an isotope of unusual mass for tracing through chemical reactions
Common Curiosities
What materials are commonly used for labels?
Paper, plastic, and fabric are common materials for making labels.
What is a label?
A label is a tag or sticker on an item that provides information about that item.
What does labeling mean?
Labeling refers to the process of creating and applying labels to products.
Why is labeling important in manufacturing?
Labeling is crucial for product identification, user instructions, and legal compliance.
What are some challenges in the labeling process?
Challenges include adhering to regulations, ensuring readability, and managing costs.
How does labeling contribute to safety?
Proper labeling helps ensure safety by informing users of proper handling and hazards.
How are labels used in everyday life?
Labels are used on products for identification, instructions, or warnings.
Can labeling affect consumer perception?
Yes, effective labeling can influence how consumers perceive and choose products.
What are the legal requirements for labeling in food products?
Food product labels must include nutritional information, ingredient lists, and allergen declarations as required by law.
How has technology impacted labeling?
Technology has enabled more accurate, efficient, and versatile labeling processes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
