indigenize

verb

in·​dig·​e·​nize in-ˈdi-jə-ˌnīz How to pronounce indigenize (audio)
indigenized; indigenizing

transitive verb

: to cause to have indigenous characteristics or personnel
the former colony began to indigenize its businesses
indigenization noun

Examples of indigenize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tongva and many Native communities see plants, animals and humans as interconnected, equal life forms, said Johnson’s daughter Samantha, who is working to re-indigenize the plant life on the Altadena property. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2022 Whether creating jewelry for Rezilient Soles or designing footwear at Nike, Jackson hopes to indigenize sneaker culture. Amaris Encinas, The Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2022 One who had tried to be a sangoma, traveled all over the continent, tried so passionately to indigenize himself. Hedley Twidle, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indigenize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indigenize was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near indigenize

Cite this Entry

“Indigenize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigenize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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