cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt 
cultivated; cultivating
1
: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops
Some fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
also
: to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2
a
: to foster the growth of
cultivate vegetables
cultivate coffee
b
: culture sense 2a
cultivate oysters for pearls
c
: to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
cultivate the mind
… cultivated a reputation as a hard-core wheeler-dealer …—
Kit Boss
Kit Boss4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
looking for influential people to cultivate as friends
Examples of cultivate in a Sentence
Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land.
Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
a plant that is cultivated for its fruit
They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.
He has carefully cultivated his image.
She cultivated a taste for fine wines.
Recent Examples on the Web
At the Democrat-Gazette, Dustin has cultivated strong connections within the local arts and entertainment community and finds joy in spotlighting the creative talents and inspiring stories of the region.
—Dustin Staggs, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
During the Soviet era, all the vineyards in the area were replaced with hazelnut trees and tea bushes because cultivating wine in this humid climate was deemed too difficult.
—Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025
Actor Charlie Hunnum discussed with Variety the process of cultivating Ed Gein's voice.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Threets has already cultivated a devoted following by promoting children’s literature and advocating for young viewers’ emotional well-being online.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
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Dustin Staggs, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
During the Soviet era, all the vineyards in the area were replaced with hazelnut trees and tea bushes because cultivating wine in this humid climate was deemed too difficult.
—Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025
Actor Charlie Hunnum discussed with Variety the process of cultivating Ed Gein's voice.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Threets has already cultivated a devoted following by promoting children’s literature and advocating for young viewers’ emotional well-being online.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
1
a
: to prepare land for the raising of crops
b
: to loosen or break up the soil around (growing plants)
2
a
: to raise or assist the growth of by tilling or by labor and care
cultivate vegetables
cultivate oysters
b
3
: to improve or develop by careful attention, training, or study : devote time and thought to
cultivate one's mind
cultivate the arts
4
: to seek the company and friendship of
Medical Definition
cultivate
transitive verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
: culture sense 1
viruses cultivated in brain tissue
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