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.
Union Rights for Ride-Hailing Drivers A significant measure would extend union rights to drivers for popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, who are currently classified as independent contractors under federal law, barring them from unionizing. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The effort to unionize VFX workers at SNL is part of a broader move by IATSE to represent these craftspeople across the industry. Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 In the latest update in a dispute over a campaign to unionize workers at a powerful Kern County agricultural company, a California appellate court has ruled that negotiations can continue between the state’s largest farmworker union and Wonderful Co. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 Amazon, the complaint says, broke the law by terminating its contract with the contractor after the drivers unionized without first bargaining with the Teamsters union that represented them. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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