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

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

Laparoscopic excision surgery, in which a specialist carefully removes endometriosis lesions, is widely considered the gold-standard surgical treatment and can improve both pain and fertility outcomes. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026

From 1990 to 2023, the fertility rate for women ages 40 to 44 increased 127% and 450% for those 45 and older. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 7 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

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