motorize

verb

mo·​tor·​ize ˈmō-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce motorize (audio)
motorized; motorizing

transitive verb

1
: to equip with a motor
2
: to equip with motor vehicles
motorization noun

Examples of motorize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Infrastructure and motorized access in the most restrictive primitive area would be almost nonexistent. Mark Eddington, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 Aug. 2023 Any watercraft, motorized or not, launching from these boat ramps requires a launch permit. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 27 July 2023 Humphrey particularly recalls a wheelchair-ready van with a Detroit Lions logo on the side, a Mazda Miata, and the slickest available wheelchairs, both motorized and self-propelled. Detroit Free Press, 18 June 2023 The breeze felt deliciously pure — nothing motorized is permitted on the island, not even golf carts. Joelle Quinn, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2023 In December 1943, longtime contributor Walter E. Burton explained how to motorize a treadle sewing machine. Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2023 Yoolax motorized smart blind Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech columnist. Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2023 The wheelchair was not motorized or impressive in any way, but its existence was telling. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2023 The swing motion is motorized by either an AC adapter plug or batteries. Jessica Hartshorn, goodhousekeeping.com, 4 Apr. 2023 See More

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

circa 1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of motorize was circa 1913

Dictionary Entries Near motorize

Cite this Entry

“Motorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

motorize

verb
mo·​tor·​ize ˈmōt-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce motorize (audio)
motorized; motorizing
1
: to equip with a motor
2
: to equip with motor-driven vehicles for transportation
motorized troops
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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