popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
popularization noun
popularizer noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud. The book presents a popularized version of American history.
Recent Examples on the Web What Makes The Best Cuban Sandwich The Meat Columbia’s current version is based on the sandwich popularized over a century ago and features salami, ham, and roast pork. Andrew Barrett Schrader, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Celebrities helped popularize the dirty soda trend, too. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Real estate developer Joseph Eichler popularized the mid-century modern-style tract homes in neighborhoods in San Jose and San Mateo in the 1950s. Pueng Vongs, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 Bell said more than 320,000 such locks were distributed and that the company is working with law enforcement officials across the country to prevent criminals from using methods of theft popularized on social media. Kunle Falayi, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 The bolo tie can be traced back to the 1930s, when Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo men often wore bandanas around their necks, sometimes held together by a string, popularizing the look. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024 Mixed Signals: The N.F.L. is pushing to popularize and benefit from sports betting while still trying to guard against the potential pitfalls for its players, employees and fans. Rory Smith, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 The company didn’t anticipate the shift towards end-to-end vertical integration that Apple popularized in the mobile space. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2024 Swift is also far from the only media darling who's sported a token signature red lip: Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Sade, Madonna, and more have all popularized their go-to reds in their respective eras, and gone on to inspire retro glam for decades to come. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'popularize.' 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

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near popularize

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

popularize

verb
pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
: to make popular
popularization noun
popularizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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