vulgarize

verb

vul·​gar·​ize ˈvəl-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce vulgarize (audio)
vulgarized; vulgarizing

transitive verb

1
: to diffuse generally : popularize
2
: to make vulgar : coarsen
vulgarization noun
vulgarizer noun

Examples of vulgarize in a Sentence

The movie is a vulgarized version of the original story. the composer's masterpiece has been hopelessly vulgarized by its use in countless TV commercials
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions. BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019 Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent. Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulgarize was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near vulgarize

Cite this Entry

“Vulgarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulgarize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vulgarize

verb
vul·​gar·​ize ˈvəl-gə-ˌrīz How to pronounce vulgarize (audio)
vulgarized; vulgarizing
: to make vulgar
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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