fertilize

verb

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

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.
Trim off the dead and if sending out new shoots keep moist and fertilize. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026 The ranchers believe that cattle grazing is also the best way to keep the borderlands healthy, through the free soil-aerating, ground-fertilizing and lawnmowing services that dispersed cows provide. Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 The resulting ash is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which fertilizes the soil. Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026 With farmers in the northern hemisphere due to begin fertilizing their fields, the supply constraint has intersected with cyclical demand. Chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 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 3 Apr. 2026.

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

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