naturalize
verb
nat·u·ral·ize
ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 
naturalized; naturalizing
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
: to become established as if native
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 on the Web
Nearly half of all Arizona immigrants are naturalized.
—
Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Oct. 2024
Helene’s reach was shocking, another example of how climate change ‘is here and now,’ scientists say
Immigration
These Americans naturalized just in time to vote.
—Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024
Experts say the gains can be attributed to the increasing numbers of first-generation immigrants who are getting naturalized, and more young U.S.-born Asian Americans who have come of age, as well as greater efforts to get out the vote.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 5 Sep. 2024
The moment was both a familiar ritual and a microcosm of Humphreys’ international identity – the base naturalized 188 service members in 2023, according to Hancock, the deputy to the garrison commander.
—Mike Valerio, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalize 
Andi Shae Napier, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Oct. 2024
Helene’s reach was shocking, another example of how climate change ‘is here and now,’ scientists say
Immigration
These Americans naturalized just in time to vote.
—Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024
Experts say the gains can be attributed to the increasing numbers of first-generation immigrants who are getting naturalized, and more young U.S.-born Asian Americans who have come of age, as well as greater efforts to get out the vote.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 5 Sep. 2024
The moment was both a familiar ritual and a microcosm of Humphreys’ international identity – the base naturalized 188 service members in 2023, according to Hancock, the deputy to the garrison commander.
—Mike Valerio, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naturalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Naturalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
naturalize
verb
nat·u·ral·ize
ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz
naturalized; naturalizing
1
: to introduce into common use
naturalize a foreign word
2
: to become or cause to become established as if native
naturalized weeds
3
: to give the rights and privileges of citizenship to
naturalize a foreign-born person
Legal Definition
naturalize
transitive verb
nat·u·ral·ize
ˈna-chə-rə-ˌlīz
naturalized; naturalizing
: to admit (a person) to citizenship
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