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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-pollinate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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