unionize

especially British, un·ion·ise

[yoon-yuh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

unionized, unionizing 

1. to organize into a labor union; bring into or incorporate in a labor union.

2. to subject to the rules of a labor union.

3. Obsolete.,  to form into a union.

verb (used without object)

unionized, unionizing 

1. to join in a labor union.

2. Obsolete.,  to form a union.

unionize

/ ˈjuːnjəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to organize (workers) into a trade union

2. to join or cause to join a trade union

3. (tr) to subject to the rules or codes of a trade union

4. to join or become joined in marriage or civil partnership

Other Word Forms

• unionization noun
• unionizer noun
• overunionize verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unionize¹

First recorded in 1835–45; union + -ize

Example Sentences

United Mine Workers leader John L. Lewis announced: “The president wants you to unionize.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

These tentative revisions were also announced days before the teaching artists voted to unionize, under the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These revisions were also announced days before the teaching artists voted to unionize, under the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The unionized workers say they are striking for better take-home pay, more predictable scheduling and to resolve hundreds of unfair labor practice charges workers have filed against the company with federal regulators in recent years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of unionized Starbucks baristas kicked off an indefinite strike Thursday in cities across the United States, protesting working conditions and stalled labor negotiations.

Read more on Barron's