Definitions

1. verb

to break or divide a word or expression in writing by means of a hyphen

“The editor had to hyphenize the compound word “self-portrait” in the text.”

2. verb

to create or form a compound word by means of a hyphen

“The linguist chose to hyphenize “co-pilot” in the dictionary entry.”

3. noun

the act of breaking or dividing a word or expression in writing by means of a hyphen

“The process of hyphenizing compound words is an essential part of English grammar.”