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

One of the most painful complications of mumps is orchitis, or swelling of the testicles, which can harm fertility. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026

Amish populations are growing exponentially through high fertility. —Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026

Now, a team of scientists has discovered a new mixture incorporating organic materials typically used for soil regeneration on Earth that increase the fertility of the regolith. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Vance wanted to boost American fertility rates by expanding the child tax credit, perhaps to as much as $5,000 per kid. —Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 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