1. The process by which a word or phrase becomes established as a standard item in a language's vocabulary.
Usage: linguistics; British spelling (American: lexicalization)
2. The conversion of a grammatical structure or morpheme into a fixed lexical item with a specific meaning.
Usage: linguistics; technical

Examples

• The lexicalisation of 'selfie' occurred rapidly after smartphones became widespread.
• Linguists study the lexicalisation of compound words to understand how languages evolve.
• The lexicalisation of 'google' as a verb demonstrates how brand names can enter everyday vocabulary.
• Over time, the phrase 'by and large' underwent lexicalisation and became a single idiomatic unit.
• The lexicalisation of new technology terms reflects changes in modern society.