popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
popularization noun
popularizer noun

Examples of popularize in a Sentence

a phrase that was popularized by its use in a hit TV show Dream analysis was popularized by Sigmund Freud. The book presents a popularized version of American history.
Recent Examples on the Web Mistress Antoinette), a clothing designer who helped popularize polyvinyl chloride fetish wear. Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 This common mistake, popularized in the 19th century, suggested that prior to the rise of scientific study beginning in the 17th century, most people believed the Earth to be flat. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 The drugs have been in shortage ever since celebrities began popularizing them, leaving gaps in care among people who need such drugs more. Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 8 Mar. 2024 How might Swift leverage her fame to popularize the norm of climate responsibility? Nives Dolsak and Aseem Prakash, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Tomato juice is the official state beverage of Ohio, honoring the part A. W. Livingston of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, played in popularizing the tomato in the late 1800s. 5. Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 One of the key instrumentalists in popularizing the one drop rhythm, an authentic recapturing of Carly’s drum playing proved to be a microcosm of the One Love cast’s commitment to taking pride in every detail of the film’s music scenes. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024 What Makes The Best Cuban Sandwich The Meat Columbia’s current version is based on the sandwich popularized over a century ago and features salami, ham, and roast pork. Andrew Barrett Schrader, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Celebrities helped popularize the dirty soda trend, too. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'popularize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near popularize

Cite this Entry

“Popularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

popularize

verb
pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
: to make popular
popularization noun
popularizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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