capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tə-
capitalized; capitalizing

transitive verb

1
: to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
Capitalize the names of cities and states.
2
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's reserve fund
b
: to treat as an amortizable investment in long-term capital assets rather than as an ordinary operating expense to be charged against revenue for the period in which it is incurred
capitalize development costs
3
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time)
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
4
: to supply capital for

intransitive verb

: to gain by turning something to advantage
capitalize on an opponent's mistake

Examples of capitalize in a Sentence

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet. Capitalize the first word of your sentence. She rarely capitalizes her name when she signs her e-mails. The venture was capitalized with a loan of one million dollars. You can capitalize your investment at any time.
Recent Examples on the Web Backups need to capitalize when an opportunity is there, and these are three backups with experience. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2024 China’s growing music market also represents a massive opportunity for artists and labels looking to expand their audiences and generate revenue, and for domestic companies looking to capitalize off the growth. Chris Lau, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024 In short, arena fighters are a tried and true — if not complacent — plug-and-go formula to capitalize off of an up-and-coming anime series. Isaiah Colbert, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024 Cody Rhodes capitalized by placing Jacob on the table and diving through it with a Cody Splash. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for capitalize 

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

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) capital entry 2 (sense 2) + -ize; (senses 2-4) borrowed from French capitaliser, from capital capital entry 2 + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitalize was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near capitalize

Cite this Entry

“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

capitalize

verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈkap-ət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tᵊl-
capitalized; capitalizing
1
: to write or print with a beginning capital letter or in capital letters
2
a
: to supply capital for (as a business or a project)
b
: to use as capital (as in business)
3
: to use to help oneself
capitalize on an opponent's mistake
capitalization
ˌkap-ət-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
ˌkap-tᵊl-
noun

Legal Definition

capitalize

transitive verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
capitalized; capitalizing
1
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's earnings
b
: to treat as a capital expenditure rather than an ordinary and necessary expense
the cost of the merger must be capitalized
2
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time) compare amortize
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
3
: to supply capital for
had capitalized the business with her own savings

More from Merriam-Webster on capitalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!