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
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.
The deaths, unfolding within weeks of each other across the Bay Area, reflect a broader shift on local streets: a surge in electric bikes and motorized two-wheelers with which regulators and law enforcement are struggling to keep up. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2026 Created between 1989-97, and intended to be motorized, a pair of Popeye cutouts was exhibited only once during the artist’s time. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 His other great love was race car driving, a passion that began with racing go-karts at 11 and blossomed into a life-long love of all things motorized. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026 Except these bikes are motorized, can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, have three wheels, and seat up to 6 people. Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motorize

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorize. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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
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