industrialization
Americannoun
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the large-scale introduction of manufacturing, advanced technical enterprises, and other productive economic activity into an area, society, country, etc.
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conversion to the methods, aims, and ideals of industry and economic activity, particularly of an area that was previously underdeveloped economically.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of industrialization
Explanation
Industrialization occurs when industry is introduced on a large scale to a region or country — for example, when an economy goes from being based on agriculture to being based on manufacturing and other industries. In Europe and the United States, industrialization occurred in the 1700s and 1800s, with the changes beginning in Britain. This period is called the Industrial Revolution. Textile manufacturing became mechanized, transportation (canals, railroads, and road systems) became more efficient, and steam power was introduced. Goods became more accessible and cheaper.
Vocabulary lists containing industrialization
The Industrial Revolution - Introductory
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The United States
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American History II
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Of course, foreign investment in Brazil is welcome, but we want to ... drive industrialization within Brazil, generating high-quality jobs in partnership with our universities," said Durigan.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
In a food system shaped by decades of industrialization, many of the connections people once had to food — to place, to ritual, to community — have weakened.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026
The modern era is full of those predicting that the industrialization of the housing industry is just a few years away, only to be proved wrong.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026
Central banks and individuals have been allocating to gold as a safe haven during periods of geopolitical instability, while silver and copper play a crucial role in industrialization and the AI race.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026
I was impressed by the modem schools, housing developments for the masses, and the highways and the industrialization that I saw.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
