fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: such as

a

: the application of fertilizer

b(1)

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination

—not used technically

(2)

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By contrast, all contraceptives, including IUDs, prevent fertilization in the first place. —Mimi Zieman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

While spring fertilization pushes the turf to produces lush, green shoots, fall fertilize stimulates turf to develop a strong root system that will sustain it over winter and prepare the lawn for vibrant regrowth in spring. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

The philanthropist and mental health advocate, 35, appeared on the Infertile AF podcast and spoke about her experience with endometriosis, which ultimately led her to both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and freezing her eggs. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025

Lawn and garden care service is also available to handle tasks like fertilization, pruning and weed control. —Liz Ohanesian, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: an act or process of making fertile

especially : the application of fertilizer

2

: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​iza·​tion

variants or British fertilisation

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: as

a

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation

b

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

fertilize transitive verb

or British fertilise

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising