self-pollinate

verb

self-pol·​li·​nate ˌself-ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt How to pronounce self-pollinate (audio)
self-pollinated; self-pollinating; self-pollinates

intransitive verb

: to undergo self-pollination

Examples of self-pollinate in a Sentence

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.
Attention has to be paid to choosing a compatible pollinator when growing pecans, as a single tree usually won’t self-pollinate, and some trees shed pollen earlier or later in the flowering season than others. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2024 Though both of these self-pollinate, fig production will be exponentially increased by the presence of two or more plants. Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 With a standard care routine, Meyer lemon trees are self-pollinating and resistant to many common pests. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 7 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-pollinate was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near self-pollinate

Cite this Entry

“Self-pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pollinate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!