popularize

[ pop-yuh-luh-rahyz ]

See synonyms for popularize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),pop·u·lar·ized, pop·u·lar·iz·ing.

to make popular: to popularize a dance.

Origin of popularize

First recorded in 1585–95; popular + -ize

Also especially British, pop·u·lar·ise .

Other words from popularize

pop·u·lar·i·za·tion, noun
pop·u·lar·iz·er, noun
an·ti·pop·u·lar·i·za·tion, adjective, noun
de·pop·u·lar·ize, verb (used with object), de·pop·u·lar·ized, de·pop·u·lar·iz·ing.
re·pop·u·lar·i·za·tion, noun
re·pop·u·lar·ize, verb (used with object), re·pop·u·lar·ized, re·pop·u·lar·iz·ing.
sem·i·pop·u·lar·ized, adjective
un·pop·u·lar·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use popularize in a sentence

It was popularized as a holiday dessert in 16th-century England and also is known as Christmas pudding or plum pudding.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO) | Kevin Fallon | December 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Nicki Minaj popularized “yaaasssss” with her song “Yasss Bish” and she claims the pronunciation has roots in drag-queen culture.
Feminist, Bae, Turnt: Time’s ‘Worst Words’ List Is Sexist and Racist | Samantha Allen | November 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Did it really have nothing to do with the fact that disco was popularized as “black” music?
Of Gamers, Gates, and Disco Demolition: The Roots of Reactionary Rage | Arthur Chu | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her use of the bikini, which was invented in France, popularized the skin-baring, two-piece swimsuit in the United States.
The Queen of the Playboy Centerfolds | Nina Strochlic | May 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In the process, Whitcomb and Morris popularized the idea of scientific creationism.
When Creationists Collide with Stephen Colbert | Michael Schulson | December 15, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

Nasby, who had popularized the Toledo Blade, kept steadily to one line.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete | Albert Bigelow Paine
A famous series of books, formerly sold at $2.00 per copy, are now popularized by reducing the price less than half.
From Farm House to the White House | William M. Thayer
She certainly popularized the song, whether it was her own or not.
Haydn | J. Cuthbert Hadden
The present day theory of human understanding is a real science, which well deserves to be popularized.
The Positive Outcome of Philosophy | Joseph Dietzgen
The vogue of coffee popularized the use of sugar, which was then bought by the ounce at the apothecary's shop.
All About Coffee | William H. Ukers

British Dictionary definitions for popularize

popularize

popularise

/ (ˈpɒpjʊləˌraɪz) /

verb(tr)

to make popular; make attractive to the general public
to make or cause to become easily understandable or acceptable

Derived forms of popularize

popularization or popularisation, noun
popularizer or populariser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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