naturalize

verb

nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

naturalized; naturalizing

transitive verb

1

: to confer the rights of a national on

especially : to admit to citizenship

2

: to introduce into common use or into the vernacular

3

: to bring into conformity with nature

4

: to cause (something, such as a plant) to become established as if native

intransitive verb

: to become established as if native

Examples of naturalize in a Sentence

The government refused to naturalize them without documentation.

naturalized citizens of the U.S.

Several Asian fish have become naturalized in these lakes.

Before you naturalize bulbs in your lawn, fertilize well.

These daisies naturalize well in the Pacific Northwest.

Recent Examples on the Web

Italy Italy grants citizenship by descent if the applicant’s Italian ancestor did not naturalize abroad before the birth of their child in his or her direct line. —Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 16 Nov. 2024

This spring, at age 62, I was naturalized as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany. —Steven A. Harvey, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024

Nearly 63% were naturalized while roughly 37% were non-citizens. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024

The report says at least 67 of the 314 children identified have been naturalized as Russian citizens, though the researchers say the actual number is likely higher. —Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

naturalize

verb

nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈnach-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

naturalized; naturalizing

1

: to introduce into common use

naturalize a foreign word

2

: to become or cause to become established as if native

naturalized weeds

3

: to give the rights and privileges of citizenship to

naturalize a foreign-born person

Legal Definition

naturalize

transitive verb

nat·​u·​ral·​ize ˈna-chə-rə-ˌlīz 

naturalized; naturalizing

: to admit (a person) to citizenship

naturalization

ˌna-chə-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun