fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as

a

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land

b

: to cause the fertilization of

fertilizable

ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

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

Local horticulturists have speculated that ash from natural material burned in January could have helped fertilize the soil at just the right moment, when rose bushes were dormant. —Jill Cowan, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025

Continue to fertilize during the summer, as directed on the fertilizer container. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025

Here's how to determine the best time to fertilize your lawn. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Keep them well-watered and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer; increase the pot size as the plant grows. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilize

• cross-fertilize

Rhymes for fertilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

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