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

a sitcom that popularized the phrase

b

: to present in generally understandable or interesting form

a popularized version of American history

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

The term was popularized by Graham Duncan, co-founder of East Rock Capital, on the Tim Ferriss podcast in March 2019. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026

The bold color palette of Hathaway’s Aquazzura shoes spoke to a vibrant spin on the cap-toe heels trend, popularized by Chanel’s quintessential black and beige style introduced in 1957. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026

The format and viewing habit Disney is importing were popularized on TikTok. — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Because cap-toe flats were popularized by Chanel, the detail immediately makes even non-designer shoes look more expensive. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

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