fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: one that fertilizes
specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens. They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.
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.
Fertilizer Burn Fertilizing hydrangeas can also lead to brown leaves if the plant receives too much fertilizer. Lauren David, Southern Living, 31 May 2025 Make fertilizer applications every 3 to 4 weeks or use a slow-release product as instructed. 59. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 Some potential causes include polluted fertilizers and fomites at the packing facilities, while there are many plausible explanations. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Therein lies their value to the Chesapeake Bay, which is beset by excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, runoff from farm field fertilizer and sewage treatment plant discharges, among other sources. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertilizer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilizer was circa 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilizer. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun
fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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