popularize

verb

pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpä-pyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing

intransitive verb

: to cater to popular taste

transitive verb

: to make popular: such as
a
: to cause to be liked or esteemed
b
: to present in generally understandable or interesting form
popularization noun
popularizer 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
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.
The term was first popularized by a 1997 episode of the television comedy drama Ally McBeal, but received a boost after being used by a contestant on the British reality show Love Island in 2017. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 The news spread, and Washington Post cartoonist Clifford Berryman further popularized the tale. Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025 The Globetrotters already had won over millions of fans by popularizing the slam dunk, fast break and their legendary in-game weave, but the franchise’s fan base, now consisting of more than 148 million people in 123 countries and territories, saw an uptick then when the 7-footer wore the uniform. Zach Powell, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Owens will be accompanied by a four-piece band for both sets — with a sensual songbook featuring music popularized by Jodeci, Tank, Musiq Soulchild, Al Green and Sade. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for popularize

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularize was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Popularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

popularize

verb
pop·​u·​lar·​ize ˈpäp-yə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce popularize (audio)
popularized; popularizing
: to make popular
popularization noun
popularizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on popularize

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