creolize

[ kree-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, cre·o·lized, cre·o·liz·ing.

1. to cause (a pidgin or other language) to become a creole language, the evolved native language of a speech community.

verb (used without object)

, cre·o·lized, cre·o·liz·ing.

1. to evolve from a pidgin and become a creole language, the evolved native language of a speech community.

Other Words From

• cre·o·li·za·tion [kree-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of creolize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; Creole + -ize