localize

verb

lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce localize (audio)
localized; localizing

transitive verb

1
: to make local : orient locally
2
: to assign to or keep within a definite locality

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area
an infection that localizes in the ear
localizable adjective
localization noun

Examples of localize in a Sentence

Doctors are trying to localize the infection by using antibiotics. The computer technician was able to localize the fault quickly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the time of diagnosis, the cancer was localized and hadn’t spread, giving Lizzy a 70% survival rate. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 July 2025 Many Chinese battery makers also have plans to localize production in markets such as Southeast Asia and the US. John Liu, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 The severe weather threat is low this weekend, however, some storms could produce lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds and localized flash flooding, per the NWS. Storms continue into next week North Texans might want to keep their umbrella with them heading into next week as storm chances linger. Brayden Garcia july 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 With a focus on localizing demand, Nissan will continue producing the Altima and Frontier at the Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant for now. Stuart Dyos, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for localize

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of localize was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Localize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/localize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

localize

verb
lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce localize (audio)
localized; localizing
1
: to assign to or keep in a definite place or locality
2
: to be restricted to or accumulate in a limited area
pain localized in a joint
localization noun

Medical Definition

localize

verb
lo·​cal·​ize
variants also British localise
localized also British localised; localizing also British localising

transitive verb

: to make local
especially : to fix in or confine to a definite place or part
hot applications helped to localize the infection

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area
this parasite localizes and grows in the muscleMorris Fishbein

More from Merriam-Webster on localize

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