fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
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
And that works by stopping or delaying ovulation, that's the release of an egg, so there's no egg for the sperm to fertilize.
—
Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024
Ella actually works by delaying ovulation (when an ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes) for up to five days when all the sperm has died, so there’s nothing left to fertilize an egg.
—Katie Camero, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024
However, if the tree is showing little to no sign of growth, perform a soil test to see if there are any nutrient deficiencies, then fertilize accordingly.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024
One of two methods can be used to fertilize garlic, use the one that fits your
gardening style.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilize 
Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024
Ella actually works by delaying ovulation (when an ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes) for up to five days when all the sperm has died, so there’s nothing left to fertilize an egg.
—Katie Camero, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024
However, if the tree is showing little to no sign of growth, perform a soil test to see if there are any nutrient deficiencies, then fertilize accordingly.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024
One of two methods can be used to fertilize garlic, use the one that fits your
gardening style.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fertilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fertilize
Cite this Entry
“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz
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
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