fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
fertilizable adjective

Examples of fertilize in a Sentence

A single sperm fertilizes an egg. Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers. He fertilizes the lawn every year. The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.
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.
The pain of the past and the uncertainty of the future does not diminish, but in fact, only fertilizes the present which is existing there. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025 The male fertilizes these eggs, then takes them into his mouth for incubation. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Water plants well and fertilize about every two weeks. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024 The ash does contain nutrients, and turfgrass cannot be fertilized during winter since applied nutrients more readily run off and pollute waterways. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fertilize 

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilize was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near fertilize

Cite this Entry

“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb
fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: as
a
: to cause the fertilization of
also : to unite with in the process of fertilization
a sperm fertilizes an egg
b
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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