fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population.

The doctor ordered a test of his fertility.

The area is known for its soil fertility.

the fertility of his imagination

Recent Examples on the Web

When replanting a shrub or turfgrass, add compost or aged manure to the area to improve the soil’s fertility, structure, and drainage. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

But some fertility experts believe frontier AI could further boost the odds of a successful pregnancy. — Edna Bonhomme, Scientific American, 6 July 2026

This spring, Russia’s legislature began debating a bill that would fund fertility treatment for veterans and their wives. — Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

At-home soil tests that measure for alkaline, fertility and pH levels are widely available and can be purchased for $15 to $100 (for more detailed results) online. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fertility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Medical Definition

fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural fertilities

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population