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

Johnson noted that White Americans are largely older and no longer having children, while many immigrants are of younger, childbearing age with above-average fertility rates. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Everyone deserves the right to a family, and lawmakers can help prospective parents avoid exposure to chemicals that hurt fertility. —Shanna Swan, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

By 1972, the total fertility rate in the United States was already below the replacement level, and ZPG pivoted to immigration restriction as its primary policy target. —Brian C. Keegan, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026

But fertility specialists stress that dietary changes will only do so much for conception. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Mar. 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