fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population.

The doctor ordered a test of his fertility.

The area is known for its soil fertility.

the fertility of his imagination

Recent Examples on the Web

Her time spent dancing quickly spun itself into Cabrera’s dancer-like, strong figurative sculptures that could as easily evoke fertility or appear as merged couples. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

For years, Japan has taken steps to try to reverse its falling birth rate by expanding monthly child allowances, bringing IVF and other fertility treatments under the purview of public insurance, and expanding parental leave benefits. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Isaiah explains that sharing their pregnancy losses and fertility struggles publicly felt like their purpose. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

The number of Americans choosing European clinics grew by more than 37% last year, according to Jakub Dejewski, the chair of the European Fertility Society, a group that tracks data on fertility treatment in Europe. — Lj Dawson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fertility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Medical Definition

fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural fertilities

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population