carbonize

verb

car·​bon·​ize ˈkär-bə-ˌnīz How to pronounce carbonize (audio)
carbonized; carbonizing

transitive verb

1
: to convert into carbon or a carbonic residue
2
: carburize sense 1

intransitive verb

: to become carbonized : char

Examples of carbonize in a Sentence

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.
Burned so badly they were carbonized, the scrolls are extremely fragile. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 The governor has had an easier time seeking to de-carbonize the electric grid. — Stephen Singer, courant.com, 20 Dec. 2021 Solarization sounds relatively easy — just cover your grass in plastic for a couple of months and let the intense heat carbonize your lawn. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2022 Williams laid out an ambitious set of recommendations for the city to de-carbonize its energy portfolio. — Gilbert Garcia, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for carbonize

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbonize was in 1798

Rhymes for carbonize

See All Rhymes for carbonize

Browse Nearby Words

carbonization
carbonize
carbonizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

carbonize

verb
car·​bon·​ize ˈkär-bə-ˌnīz How to pronounce carbonize (audio)
carbonized; carbonizing
: to change or become changed into carbon
carbonization
ˌkär-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

carbonize

verb
car·​bon·​ize
variants or British carbonise
ˈkär-bə-ˌnīz How to pronounce carbonize (audio)
carbonized or British carbonised; carbonizing or British carbonising

transitive verb

: to convert into carbon or a carbonic residue

intransitive verb

: to become carbonized or charred
carbonization noun
or British carbonisation
ˌkär-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce carbonize (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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