Classifieds are short advertisements, usually found in the back of newspapers or magazines.
Classifieds are so named because they are grouped under different headings, or classes, in order that readers may browse them more efficiently.
Usually, classifieds are used to sell goods or services, but they are also used to buy, swap or give these things away for free. Often, classifieds advertisers are individuals who only have one thing to sell, and may never use the classifieds again.
Examples of things typically advertised in classifieds: used anything, especially motor vehicles, furniture and musical instruments; also collectibles such as coins and stamps.
Another type of advertisement, related to classifieds, is the 'lonely hearts' or personals ad.