Definition of naturalize
naturalized
;naturalizing
transitive verb
1 : to confer the rights of a national on; especially : to admit to citizenship
2 : to introduce into common use or into the vernacular
3 : to bring into conformity with nature
4 : to cause (something, such as a plant) to become established as if native
intransitive verb
: to become established as if native
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Examples of naturalize in a Sentence
The government refused to naturalize them without documentation.
naturalized citizens of the U.S.
Several Asian fish have become naturalized in these lakes.
Before you naturalize bulbs in your lawn, fertilize well.
These daisies naturalize well in the Pacific Northwest.
Recent Examples of naturalize from the Web
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The agency naturalizes about 250 people during the weekly ceremonies, Taylor said.
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In the end, the decision to naturalize is a deeply personal one and is ultimately an individual choice.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naturalize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1559
First Known Use of naturalize
1559
NATURALIZE Defined for English Language Learners
naturalize
playDefinition of naturalize for English Language Learners
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: to allow (someone who was born in a different country) to become a new citizen
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: to cause (a plant or animal from another place) to begin to grow and live in a new area
NATURALIZE Defined for Kids
naturalize
playDefinition of naturalize for Students
naturalized
;naturalizing
1 : to become or allow to become a citizen
2 : to become or cause to become established as if native naturalize a plant
Law Dictionary
Learn More about naturalize
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Spanish Central: Translation of naturalize Nglish: Translation of naturalize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of naturalize for Arabic speakers
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