localize

verb

lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce localize (audio)
localized; localizing

transitive verb

1
: to make local : orient locally
2
: to assign to or keep within a definite locality

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area
an infection that localizes in the ear
localizability
ˌlō-kə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce localize (audio)
noun
localizable
ˈlō-kə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce localize (audio)
adjective
localization
ˌlō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce localize (audio)
noun

Examples of localize in a Sentence

Doctors are trying to localize the infection by using antibiotics. The computer technician was able to localize the fault quickly.
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.
Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria have been stepping up efforts to localize manufacturing of equipment for solar power, from module assembly to more advanced manufacturing, according to industry experts. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 Unlike traditional campaigns, the Participation Advantage is designed to create enduring value through repeatable participation systems that can evolve, localize and expand across markets over time. — Felicity Fellows, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 There’s also a high likelihood of heavy downpours and localized flash flooding throughout the weekend. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Roku is available in 15 countries, but a stab at localizing the backgrounds stayed on the drawing board. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for localize

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of localize was in 1792

Rhymes for localize

See All Rhymes for localize

Browse Nearby Words

localizable
localize
localized vector
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Localize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/localize. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

localize

verb
lo·​cal·​ize ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce localize (audio)
localized; localizing
1
: to assign to or keep in a definite place or locality
2
: to be restricted to or accumulate in a limited area
pain localized in a joint
localization
ˌlō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce localize (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

localize

verb
lo·​cal·​ize
variants also British localise
ˈlō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce localize (audio)
localized also British localised; localizing also British localising

transitive verb

: to make local
especially : to fix in or confine to a definite place or part
hot applications helped to localize the infection

intransitive verb

: to accumulate in or be restricted to a specific or limited area
this parasite localizes and grows in the muscle—Morris Fishbein

More from Merriam-Webster on localize

Nglish: Translation of localize for Spanish Speakers

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