1640s, "to govern a household," from economy + -ize. Meaning "to spend less, be sparing in outlay" is from 1790. Related: Economized; economizing; economization; economizer.
I try to economize my spare time
The less fortunate will have to economize now
economic
economical
economics
economise
economist
economize
economy
ecosphere
ecosystem
ecotourism
ecru
