pulverize

verb

pul·​ver·​ize ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
pulverized; pulverizing

transitive verb

1
: to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles : atomize
pulverize rock
2
pulverizable adjective
pulverization noun
pulverizer noun

Examples of pulverize in a Sentence

The mower pulverizes grass clippings. Bits of pulverized rock filled the air.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This allows Carnival to crush leftovers and pulverize it into literal fish food that can be dumped into the sea. John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 Romy Gonzalez led off the ninth with a walk, and Lowe pulverized a first-pitch fastball in the bullpen as Fenway erupted in anticipation of more late-inning fireworks. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Regardless of whether that equipment is pulverized to bits, refurbished for resale or recycled for spare parts and critical materials, one way or another the data on it needs to be erased. Bob Woods, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025 Gently muddling the mint and lime and not pulverizing them preserves their flavor and keeps the drink crisp rather than bitter. Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pulverize

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin pulverizare, from Latin pulver-, pulvis dust, powder — more at powder

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulverize was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pulverize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulverize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pulverize

verb
pul·​ver·​ize ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz How to pronounce pulverize (audio)
pulverized; pulverizing
1
: to beat or grind into a powder or dust
2
: to destroy as if by pulverizing

Medical Definition

pulverize

verb
pul·​ver·​ize
variants also British pulverise
pulverized also British pulverised; pulverizing also British pulverising

transitive verb

: to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles

More from Merriam-Webster on pulverize

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