urbanize

American  

[ur-buh-nahyz] / ˈɜr bəˌnaɪz /

especially British, urbanise

verb (used with object)

urbanized, urbanizing

1. to make or cause to become urban, as a locality.

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urbanize British  

/ ˈɜːbəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (usually passive)

   1. to make (esp a predominantly rural area or country) more industrialized and urban

   2. to cause the migration of an increasing proportion of (rural dwellers) into cities

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Other Word Forms

• nonurbanized
  adjective
• overurbanize
  verb
• unurbanized
  adjective
• urbanization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of urbanize

First recorded in 1635–45; urban + -ize

Example Sentences

Emerging markets over the longterm will continue to urbanize along with rising incomes.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

It was such an incredible moment to mobilize the whole country to urbanize.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Many cities have pushed back, arguing that so many more homes will more rapidly urbanize their suburban communities.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

"Canada continues to urbanize as large urban centers benefit most from new arrivals to the country," Statscan said.

From Reuters • Feb. 9, 2022

The residents of the cities had best not forget that the very farmland they continue to urbanize is the source of their food.

From Down with the Cities by Nakashima, Tadashi