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
Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid sought to cultivate further sympathies by drawing parallels with Israel.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
Since its launch in 2015, Labelhood has played a critical role in cultivating China’s next generation of creative directors and experimental fashion voices.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Pathways to Citizenship is committed to cultivating the next generation of advocates through meaningful volunteer opportunities while providing skilled legal representation and educational support for immigrant families throughout San Diego.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Scientists at Colossal have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
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Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
Since its launch in 2015, Labelhood has played a critical role in cultivating China’s next generation of creative directors and experimental fashion voices.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Pathways to Citizenship is committed to cultivating the next generation of advocates through meaningful volunteer opportunities while providing skilled legal representation and educational support for immigrant families throughout San Diego.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Scientists at Colossal have cultivated primordial germ cells — early precursors to sperm and egg cells — from the pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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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