optimize

play

verb op·ti·mize \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmīz \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

The team’s ultimate goal is to optimize acute care for these vulnerable victims and ensure their safety.

— barbara sadick, Kaiser Health News, "Elder Abuse: ERs Learn How To Protect A Vulnerable Population," 28 Aug. 2017
Parents, especially those who believe the act of raising a child is a process that can be studied and optimized, will rarely shy away from seeking outside help, and Cognition Builders is the highest-end of outside help.

— kim brooks, The Cut, "Parents Who Pay to Be Watched," 22 Aug. 2017
There's no exact recipe for how much water optimizes the flavor of the whisky, says Karlsson.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "You Should Cut Your Whisky With Water," 18 Aug. 2017
An M aerodynamic kit with an M rear spoiler accentuates the sporty lines of the M550i, while optimizing airflow around and over the car.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "BMW adds M550i xDrive model to the 5-Series sedan line for 2017," 4 Aug. 2017
The site has been perfectly optimized to make search on your phone user-friendly.

— katie robinson, Town & Country, "Dom Pérignon Just Launched an On-Demand Delivery Service," 26 July 2017
To optimize the looks at his left-handed swing, Hamilton had Naylor lead off each frame.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Past, present, future intertwine for Padres' Cal Quantrill, Josh Naylor," 7 July 2017
Plus, there are more vagina products than ever intended to clean, moisturize, deodorize, and generally optimize your nether regions.

— deanna pai, Glamour, "All the Vagina Products You Can—and Absolutely Shouldn't—Use," 6 July 2017
Roger Federer speaks often about optimizing his energy and, at age 35, spending no more time on court than necessary.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "Roger Federer gets 85th match win at Wimbledon," 4 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

OPTIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

optimize

play

verb

Definition of optimize for English Language Learners

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

Learn More about optimize

See words that rhyme with optimize Nglish: Translation of optimize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of optimize for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up optimize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

optimize

Definition of optimize

optimizer

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of optimize from the Web

Origin and Etymology of optimize

OPTIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

optimize

Definition of optimize for English Language Learners

Learn More about optimize

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

yeasty

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Let's Talk 'Tea'

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Silent Letters

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066

optimize

Definition of optimize

optimizer

People Are Reading

Examples of optimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of optimize from the Web

Origin and Etymology of optimize

OPTIMIZE Defined for English Language Learners

optimize

Definition of optimize for English Language Learners

Learn More about optimize

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066