internationalize

verb

in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al·​ize ˌin-tər-ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce internationalize (audio)
internationalized; internationalizing; internationalizes

transitive verb

: to make international
also : to place under international control
a proposal to internationalize the city

Examples of internationalize in a Sentence

a business that has begun to internationalize
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between 1962 and 1969, Bertelsmann internationalized its business model, founding book and record clubs across Western Europe and Latin America. Christian Heise, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 Secuoya is known for Spanish-language shows such as Zorro and El Homenajes, but Fitzgerald used his time as CEO to establish Secuoya Studios in non-Spanish-language content as part of a strategic plan to internationalize. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026 Petrodollars were a major reason why the greenback internationalized in the 1970s and the decades thereafter, as much of the income received by oil exporters was deposited in dollar accounts at banks around the world, primarily in Europe. Paul Blustein, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 The television broadcasts internationalized Cortina's fame. Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for internationalize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internationalize was circa 1864

Cite this Entry

“Internationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internationalize. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

internationalize

verb
in·​ter·​na·​tion·​al·​ize -ˈnash-nəl-ˌīz How to pronounce internationalize (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-
: to make international
internationalized the airport
internationalization noun

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