ger·mi·nate
ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt 
germinated; germinating
: to cause to sprout or develop
1
: to come into being : evolve
… before Western civilization began to germinate …—
A. L. Kroeber
A. L. Kroeber2
: to begin to grow : sprout
waiting for the seeds to germinate
ger·mi·na·tion
plural -s
1
: the beginning, process, or result of germinating:
a
: the initial development of a spore involving either production of a germ tube or internal breakup
the first stage in germination of a spore is the absorption of water—George Smith
George Smith
b
: the resumption of growth by the embryo in a seed after planting that involves the development of a young plant from the embryo after a period of dormancy : sprouting
germination starts when the seed coat is broken—F. S. Baker
F. S. Baker
c
: the development of a bud
d
: the production of a pollen tube by a pollen grain
2
: the beginning of growth or development : evolution
the germination of newer and more tentative ideas—J. T. Edsall
J. T. EdsallExamples of germinate in a Sentence
Verb
methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds
Recent Examples on the Web
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026
Seeds typically germinate in spring after which plants quickly grow, flower, and set seed.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
Apply it before dandelion seeds germinate in mid- to late spring.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026
Timing is critical for corn gluten to be effective, as seeds that have already germinated and formed roots will not be affected.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for germinate
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.
Verb
Once the seeds germinate, remove the cover.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026
Seeds typically germinate in spring after which plants quickly grow, flower, and set seed.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
Apply it before dandelion seeds germinate in mid- to late spring.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026
Timing is critical for corn gluten to be effective, as seeds that have already germinated and formed roots will not be affected.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for germinate
Cite this Entry
“Germinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germinate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
germinate
verb
ger·mi·nate
ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt
germinated; germinating
: to cause to sprout or develop
: to begin to grow : sprout
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
