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
Example Sentences
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
The biggest pop stars in the world cultivate an image, and the image is what fans buy into—what brings them to tears, what provides them ecstatic release.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 29 May 2023
The classical-music world cultivates long transitions that leave time for conductor, orchestra, and hall to settle into rich communion.
—Vulture, 22 May 2023
Zelensky, in private, plots bold attacks inside Russia, leak shows: Ukraine’s president has cultivated a stoic, statesmanlike image in public, garnering praise from the country’s Western allies.
—Brittany Shammas, Washington Post, 14 May 2023
What's more, the kids are busy with their own lives — Zach and wife Tori are raising their children while Jeremy and wife Isabel are busy cultivating their own farmland.
—Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 May 2023
Miller isn’t that different from thousands who create racist gimmicks to sell merchandise and cultivate attention.
—Will Carless, USA TODAY, 3 May 2023
Adam Nordell and his wife Johanna purchased the 44-acre farm in 2014 with dreams of cultivating organic produce and raising a family.
—Roxana Saberi, CBS News, 2 May 2023
George Mason University’s law school cultivated ties to justices, with generous pay and unusual perks.
—Jo Becker, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2023
Arabica beans are cultivated in rich volcanic soil on the mountainsides of the Kona region, resulting in incredibly full-bodied flavor.
—Meg Donohue, townandcountrymag.com, 19 Apr. 2023
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Harper's BAZAAR, 29 May 2023
The classical-music world cultivates long transitions that leave time for conductor, orchestra, and hall to settle into rich communion.
—Vulture, 22 May 2023
Zelensky, in private, plots bold attacks inside Russia, leak shows: Ukraine’s president has cultivated a stoic, statesmanlike image in public, garnering praise from the country’s Western allies.
—Brittany Shammas, Washington Post, 14 May 2023
What's more, the kids are busy with their own lives — Zach and wife Tori are raising their children while Jeremy and wife Isabel are busy cultivating their own farmland.
—Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 May 2023
Miller isn’t that different from thousands who create racist gimmicks to sell merchandise and cultivate attention.
—Will Carless, USA TODAY, 3 May 2023
Adam Nordell and his wife Johanna purchased the 44-acre farm in 2014 with dreams of cultivating organic produce and raising a family.
—Roxana Saberi, CBS News, 2 May 2023
George Mason University’s law school cultivated ties to justices, with generous pay and unusual perks.
—Jo Becker, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2023
Arabica beans are cultivated in rich volcanic soil on the mountainsides of the Kona region, resulting in incredibly full-bodied flavor.
—Meg Donohue, townandcountrymag.com, 19 Apr. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cultivate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing cultivate
Dictionary Entries Near cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on cultivate
Nglish: Translation of cultivate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cultivate for Arabic Speakers
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