unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union
unionizable adjective
unionizable employees

Examples of unionize in a Sentence

Workers are fighting for the right to unionize.
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.
So Far About The Nominations, Ceremony, Date & Host Showbiz publicists first unionized in 1937 as the Screen Publicists Guild, later becoming the Publicists Guild. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025 But unionizing at Starbucks would increase the company’s costs, which would increase the company’s incentive to reduce its labor force. Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Canyon's ski patrol had unionized in 2001, and when the two patrols merged Park City patrollers also voted to for a union, which is now a part of the Communications Workers of America. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 The Canyons ski patrol unionized in 2001, and when the two ski patrols merged, Park City patrollers voted to join the union, which is now part of the Communications Workers of America. David Goodman, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unionize 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unionize was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near unionize

Cite this Entry

“Unionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unionize. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing
: to form into a labor union
unionization
ˌyün-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Legal Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyü-nyə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unionize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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