fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce fertility (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being fertile
2
: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population. The doctor ordered a test of his fertility. The area is known for its soil fertility. the fertility of his imagination
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.
Aging Population India is headed for an aging population, meaning people will live longer while fertility rates continue to fall. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 The Asian country has recorded the world’s lowest fertility rates, but the number of newborns from January 2024 to November 2024 rose 3% from a year earlier to 220,094, monthly government data showed Wednesday. Reuters, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025 Hermes wore many hats: protector of livestock, God of fertility, guardian of travelers, thieves and merchants. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025 Rather, physicians and epidemiologists believe the increase is being driven by a combination of shifts in women’s fertility and environmental or lifestyle factors. Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fertility 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertility was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fertility

Cite this Entry

“Fertility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertility. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

fertility

noun
fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē How to pronounce fertility (audio)
plural fertilities
1
: the quality or state of being fertile
2
: the birth rate of a population
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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