unionize

verb

union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing
Synonyms of unionizenext

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union
unionizable
ˈyün-yə-ˌnī-zə-bəl How to pronounce unionize (audio)
adjective
unionizable employees

Examples of unionize in a Sentence

Workers are fighting for the right to unionize.
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.
In 2015, the Northwestern football team’s attempt to unionize was thwarted when the NLRB unanimously declined to hear the case. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 More than 100 women’s college basketball players signed on to unionize with the United College Athletes Association, the organization announced on Friday. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The profession, which officially unionized with SAG-AFTRA in 2024, has become an increasingly standard presence on film and television sets. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 July 2026 In the mid-2010s, Northwestern football players tried to unionize, and more recently Dartmouth men’s basketball players made a similar attempt. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unionize

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unionize was in 1872

Rhymes for unionize

See All Rhymes for unionize

Browse Nearby Words

unionization
unionize
unionized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unionize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyün-yə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing
: to form into a labor union
unionization
ˌyün-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Legal Definition

unionize

verb
union·​ize ˈyü-nyə-ˌnīz How to pronounce unionize (audio)
unionized; unionizing

transitive verb

: to organize into a labor union
to prevent them from unionizing the employees
also : to establish a labor union in
a unionized shop

intransitive verb

: to form or join a labor union
unionization
ˌyü-nyə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce unionize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unionize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unionize

Nglish: Translation of unionize for Spanish Speakers

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