fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
fertilizable adjective

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
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.
Sheep grazing under solar panels help manage vegetation, fertilize the ground naturally, and allow the earth to recover and build nutrients. Nathaniel Trojanoski, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025 Select suitable lawn grasses, fertilize properly (primarily in fall), lime as needed based on soil test recommendations, mow frequently only removing 1/3 of leaf tissue with each cutting, water during establishment and only to keep lawn green during drought. Dee Dee Kerscher, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 Until recently, there was little doctors could do to address the lack of sperm needed to fertilize an egg, other than using donor sperm. Alice Park, Time, 10 June 2025 Do keep the soil moist and remember to fertilize the tree in February, June and October Q. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertilize

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilize was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb
fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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