fossilize

verb

fos·​sil·​ize ˈfä-sə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fossilize (audio)
fossilized; fossilizing

transitive verb

1
: to convert into a fossil
2
: to make outmoded, rigid, or fixed

intransitive verb

: to become changed into a fossil
fossilization
ˌfä-sə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fossilize (audio)
noun

Examples of fossilize in a Sentence

The mud helped to preserve and fossilize the wood.
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.
Whale bones can then fossilize over time, leaving behind traces of what life looked like millions of years ago. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 June 2026 The only octopus body parts that do fossilize are their chitinous jaws, which look a bit like parrot beaks. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 Ancient animal and plant remains within were fossilized by intense heat and pressure, transformed into coal and oil deposits. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 In these cases, the whale bones managed to fossilize before scavengers and microbes could demolish the massive carcasses. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fossilize

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fossilize was in 1794

Rhymes for fossilize

See All Rhymes for fossilize

Browse Nearby Words

fossilization
fossilize
fossilized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fossilize

verb
fos·​sil·​ize ˈfäs-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fossilize (audio)
fossilized; fossilizing
: to change or become changed into a fossil
fossilization
ˌfäs-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fossilize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fossilize

Nglish: Translation of fossilize for Spanish Speakers

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