optimize

verb op·ti·mize \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of optimize

optimized; optimizing

transitive verb

: to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible

optimize energy use

optimize your computer for speed and memory
—Charles Brannon

—

optimizer

play \ˈäp-tə-ˌmī-zər\ noun

See optimize defined for English-language learners

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

The new system will optimize the efficiency with which water is used.

Recent Examples of optimize from the Web

Stejskal and his colleagues at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin have been working on over a dozen southern whites to optimize a method to harvest the eggs.

— alessandra potenza, The Verge, "Inside the high-tech plot to save the northern white rhino from extinction," 6 Apr. 2018
Such a system would require optimizing the size and quantity of cars moving through the city at various points of the day, says Rus.

— story hinckley, The Christian Science Monitor, "Are your Uber and Lyft accounts worsening traffic?," 4 Apr. 2018
Google has a huge empire called AdWords, and people bid in a real-time auction to optimize their content.

— sean illing, Vox, "How search engines are making us more racist," 3 Apr. 2018
In Sport mode, there is better acceleration with early downshift on braking; the Eco mode optimizes fuel economy.

— g. chambers williams iii, star-telegram, "All-new Kona small crossover joins Hyundai lineup, starting at $19,500 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 31 Mar. 2018
Research suggests that meditation and mindful breathwork has the potential to optimize your body’s response to stress, cause positive changes in mood, and reduce fatigue.

— julia dellitt, SELF, "Why You Shouldn’t Skip Savasana," 14 Feb. 2018
Along the same lines, the organization's internal structure and expenditures were optimized.

— vladimir kozlov, Billboard, "Russian Collecting Society Bringing Major Changes to Mend Reputation From Past Corruption," 12 Jan. 2018
An app or website might also share information with Facebook to measure engagement or optimize advertising.

— katherine bindley, WSJ, "How to Dump Facebook… or at Least Put It in the Dog House for a While," 23 Mar. 2018
Cons Studies haven’t definitively proven that an increase in fat-burning translates to optimized performance, Bonci says.

— sara angle, Outside Online, "An Athlete's Guide to #Trending Diets," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optimize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of optimize

earlier, "to make the best or most of," from optim(um) or optim(ism) + -ize

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1941

in the meaning defined above

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OPTIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

optimize

verb

Definition of optimize for English Language Learners

: to make (something) as good or as effective as possible

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optimize

Definition of optimize

optimizer

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optimize

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optimizer

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