unionize

American  

[yoon-yuh-nahyz] / ˈyun yəˌnaɪz /

especially British, unionise

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 British  

/ 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

• overunionize verb
• unionization noun
• unionizer noun

Etymology

Origin of unionize

First recorded in 1835–45; union + -ize

Example Sentences

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will cease operations in May, its parent company said, citing significant financial losses and a recent court decision in its yearslong battle with unionized staff.

From The Wall Street Journal

The performers voted unanimously to unionize with Actors’ Equity Assn. a year ago.

From Los Angeles Times

Union membership has declined dramatically since labor’s heyday in the 1950s, when roughly a third of the U.S. workforce was unionized.

From The Wall Street Journal

A vote this week to unionize has divided Dodger Stadium tour guides.

From Los Angeles Times

The hotel workforce in New York City is unionized, which presents challenges with scheduling and overtime.

From The Wall Street Journal