anglicize

verb

an·​gli·​cize ˈaŋ-glə-ˌsīz How to pronounce anglicize (audio)
variants often Anglicize
anglicized; anglicizing

transitive verb

1
: to make English in quality or characteristics
2
: to adapt (a foreign word, name, or phrase) to English usage: such as
a
: to alter to a characteristic English form, sound, or spelling
b
: to convert (a name) to its English equivalent
anglicize Juan as John
anglicization
ˌaŋ-glə-sə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce anglicize (audio)
noun
often Anglicization

Examples of anglicize in a Sentence

The cookbook anglicized many exotic dishes to make them easier to prepare.
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.
Some of the people who found their way back to the United States anglicized their names. — Jasmine Aguilera, Time, 2 Aug. 2019 This year, all eyes have been on Cabo Verde (commonly anglicized as Cape Verde). — Andrea Bossi, Allure, 3 July 2026 When the region came under British rule, the name was anglicized and became Rhode Island. — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026 Unlike many Jewish actors of her generation, Lisa Edelstein never anglicized her name. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for anglicize

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anglicize was in 1710

Rhymes for anglicize

See All Rhymes for anglicize

Browse Nearby Words

Anglicist
anglicize
anglify
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anglicize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anglicize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anglicize

verb
an·​gli·​cize ˈaŋ-glə-sīz How to pronounce anglicize (audio)
anglicized; anglicizing
often capitalized
: to make English (as in habits, speech, or outlook)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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