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
Subsequently, they’re fertilized by sperm from the woman’s partner.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024
This shows up as low sperm count, little or no sperm in the ejaculate or inability for sperm to move easily to fertilize an egg.
—Taayoo Murray, Essence, 31 May 2024
First in line ought to be those couples seeking in vitro fertilization, where women’s eggs are fertilized outside the womb before being transferred into a healthy uterus.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024
Then, four to six weeks after planting, fertilize plants again with a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the top two inches of soil or use an organic product, such as fish emulsion, greensand, or kelp meal.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilize 
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024
This shows up as low sperm count, little or no sperm in the ejaculate or inability for sperm to move easily to fertilize an egg.
—Taayoo Murray, Essence, 31 May 2024
First in line ought to be those couples seeking in vitro fertilization, where women’s eggs are fertilized outside the womb before being transferred into a healthy uterus.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024
Then, four to six weeks after planting, fertilize plants again with a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the top two inches of soil or use an organic product, such as fish emulsion, greensand, or kelp meal.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 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 16 Jun. 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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