channelize

verb

chan·​nel·​ize ˈcha-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce channelize (audio)
channelized; channelizing
Synonyms of channelizenext

transitive verb

1
: channel sense 1
2
: channel sense 2
3
: to straighten by means of a channel
channelize a stream
channelization
ˌcha-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce channelize (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of channelize in a Sentence

channelized all of his resources into winning that state's crucial primary
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.
As a response to this, in the 1960s, the city added more concrete, channelizing the river in the hopes of getting runoff away from neighborhoods to Lake Michigan as fast as possible. — Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 Austin and San Antonio have dammed, altered, channelized, buried and otherwise manipulated their creeks and rivers. — Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of channelize was in 1609

Rhymes for channelize

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Browse Nearby Words

channelize
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Cite this Entry

“Channelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/channelize. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

channelize

verb
chan·​nel·​ize ˈchan-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce channelize (audio)
channelized; channelizing
1
: channel entry 2
2
: to straighten by means of a channel
channelize a stream
channelization
ˌchan-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce channelize (audio)
noun
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