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Definition of internationalize

internationalize

/ˌɪn.tɚˈnæʃ.ə.nə.laɪz/
(UK: internationalise)
in · ter · na · tion · al · ize
Adverb:internationally
•
Adjective:international
•
Past Simple:internationalized
•
Past Participle:internationalized
•
Present Participle:internationalizing
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internationalize Lexical Profile

• verb

1

To make international in scope, character, or reach, or to expand operations across multiple countries.

Example

"The university decided to internationalize its curriculum by partnering with research institutions in Europe and Asia."

2

To design or adapt a software application or product so that it can readily support multiple languages, scripts, and regional conventions without requiring engineering changes.

Example

"Our engineering team had to internationalize the codebase to support right-to-left scripts and multiple currencies before launching abroad."

3

To bring a territory, waterway, or resource under the joint control or protection of two or more nations.

Example

"Several diplomats proposed a treaty to internationalize the strategic canal so that all merchant vessels could pass freely."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for internationalize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for internationalize

Word Nuance & Usage

In software engineering, 'internationalize' (often abbreviated as 'i18n') specifically means designing software so it can be adapted to various languages and regions, whereas 'localize' ('l10n') means actually translating and adapting it for a specific locale.

• Rhymes for internationalize

• Nearby Words

internally
international
internationalist
internationalize
internationally
internee
internet

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from 'international' + '-ize', building on Jeremy Bentham's 1780 coinage of 'international' (from Latin 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'natio' meaning 'nation').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Internationalize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/internationalize
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