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
On June 25, for instance, there will be a new moon in Cancer, which is all about emotional new beginnings and a time to cultivate and nurture what reminds us of home.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 June 2025
Figgins hopes to create a space where training to be a dancer is safe and nurturing but also requires discipline and rigor necessary to cultivate students’ talents.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Sheinbaum, who has worked hard to cultivate a constructive relationship with the Trump White House and met Noem in Mexico City in March, didn’t hesitate.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Besides, given that most of the leaders were largely unfamiliar with one another, a meeting would cultivate a spirit of trust and collaboration.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 June 2025
Figgins hopes to create a space where training to be a dancer is safe and nurturing but also requires discipline and rigor necessary to cultivate students’ talents.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Sheinbaum, who has worked hard to cultivate a constructive relationship with the Trump White House and met Noem in Mexico City in March, didn’t hesitate.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Besides, given that most of the leaders were largely unfamiliar with one another, a meeting would cultivate a spirit of trust and collaboration.
—Robert Hormats, Time, 10 June 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 16 Jun. 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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