capitalize

verb

cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pə-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tə-
capitalized; capitalizing

transitive verb

1
: to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
Capitalize the names of cities and states.
2
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's reserve fund
b
: to treat as an amortizable investment in long-term capital assets rather than as an ordinary operating expense to be charged against revenue for the period in which it is incurred
capitalize development costs
3
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time)
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
4
: to supply capital for

intransitive verb

: to gain by turning something to advantage
capitalize on an opponent's mistake

Examples of capitalize in a Sentence

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet. Capitalize the first word of your sentence. She rarely capitalizes her name when she signs her e-mails. The venture was capitalized with a loan of one million dollars. You can capitalize your investment at any time.
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.
On the other hand, Turkey Valley turned it over 15 times, and the Pirates capitalized with 20 points off turnovers. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2025 The Authority would capitalize a fund matching local household deposits three to one and provide backing for low interest loans made to depositors for housing. Roger Valdez, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The Rams quickly capitalized with a power-play goal just 1:25 afterward, as junior defenseman Jonathan Sullivan scored to knot things at 2-all. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 Could the retooling Blues capitalize by trading Binnington if his current value is higher? Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitalize

Word History

Etymology

(sense 1) capital entry 2 (sense 2) + -ize; (senses 2-4) borrowed from French capitaliser, from capital capital entry 2 + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitalize was in 1764

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalize. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

capitalize

verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈkap-ət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
ˈkap-tᵊl-
capitalized; capitalizing
1
: to write or print with a beginning capital letter or in capital letters
2
a
: to supply capital for (as a business or a project)
b
: to use as capital (as in business)
3
: to use to help oneself
capitalize on an opponent's mistake
capitalization
ˌkap-ət-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
ˌkap-tᵊl-
noun

Legal Definition

capitalize

transitive verb
cap·​i·​tal·​ize ˈka-pət-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce capitalize (audio)
capitalized; capitalizing
1
a
: to convert into capital
capitalize the company's earnings
b
: to treat as a capital expenditure rather than an ordinary and necessary expense
the cost of the merger must be capitalized
2
a
: to compute the present value of (an income extended over a period of time) compare amortize
b
: to convert (a periodic payment) into an equivalent capital sum
capitalized annuities
3
: to supply capital for
had capitalized the business with her own savings

More from Merriam-Webster on capitalize

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