popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz 

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

ˌpä-pyə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

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

Beans are often associated with South America, the Dutch have popularized the instant coffee brands Americans have become most familiar with and café culture centers on Italian espresso traditions. —Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The effortless style, popularized by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, was the work of celebrity artist Nikki Nelms. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025

However, the drug has been popularized for its ability to aid in weight loss. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

Sensory deprivation training has become increasingly common over the past decade, particularly when Steph Curry popularized practicing with strobe goggles to disrupt his vision. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French populariser "to present in a favorable light, make popular," from populaire popular + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for popularize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz 

popularized; popularizing

: to make popular

popularization

ˌpäp-yə-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

popularizer

ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrī-zər 

noun