globalization

noun

glob·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌglō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: the act or process of globalizing : the state of being globalized

especially : the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets

Globalization brought with it elongated supply chains, as manufacturing and production were moved across oceans and continents.

—Mary Hui

Much of globalization's appeal came from the cheap labor offered in manufacturing hubs like China and Vietnam. Companies moved production abroad, and lower labor costs kept prices low for all kinds of goods.

—Ben Winck

Free-trade proponents argue there are always winners and losers in globalization, but overall, gains outweigh losses. … That "everyone's better off" argument, though, rang hollow among Rust Belt workers left behind in globalization …

—Kristina Johnson and Samuel Fromartz

Examples of globalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The long tail of this policy-legitimacy gap is already visible in populist movements responding to the unequal distribution of benefits from globalization. — Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

As globalization and technological change have amplified market inequality, Washington has not only kept these policies in place but rejiggered them to benefit the rich even more. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Kruszewski recalls reading about Japanese mills purchasing antique fabric looms from American manufacturers that were closing during the early stages of globalization. — Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

According to an April study by Indiana University, globalization, automation and the rise of alternative steelmaking technologies have reshaped what was once the heart of American industry. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see globe entry 1

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing globalization

• anti-globalization

Rhymes for globalization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration