unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz 

unionized; unionizing

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union

unionizable

ˈyün-yə-ˌnī-zə-bəl 

adjective

unionizable employees

Examples of unionize in a Sentence

Workers are fighting for the right to unionize.

Recent Examples on the Web

The union has increasingly turned its attention to clinics, some of which are already unionized. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Peterson said the nurses decided to unionize because of problems including short staffing and supply shortages. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

The passage of Assembly Bill 1340 last year gave gig ride-hailing drivers the right to unionize and collectively bargain. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Union representation The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 allowed government workers to unionize. — The Conversation, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for unionize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz 

unionized; unionizing

: to form into a labor union

unionization

ˌyün-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Legal Definition

unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyü-nyə-ˌnīz 

unionized; unionizing

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union

to prevent them from unionizing the employees

also : to establish a labor union in

a unionized shop

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union

unionization

ˌyü-nyə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun