lexicalization

noun

1
: the realization of a meaning in a single word or morpheme rather than in a grammatical construction
2
: the treatment of a formerly freely composed, grammatically regular, and semantically transparent phrase or inflected form as a formally or semantically idiomatic expression

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lexicalization was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near lexicalization

Cite this Entry

“Lexicalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lexicalization. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!