fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that fertilizes

specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens.

They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many growers are ditching synthetic fertilizers for natural alternatives, making soil healthier and reducing chemical runoff. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025

Commercial potting mix often has nutrients added and temporarily eliminates the need for additional fertilizer. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025

The runoff contains fertilizer from farms and lawns, which is made of nutrients that cause plant growth in the water. —Courtney Di Vittorio, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025

Acid-specific organic fertilizers Complete, acid-forming organic fertilizers work well to improve neutral or slightly alkaline soils. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilizer

• complete fertilizer

Rhymes for fertilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər 

: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life