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
The pathway may explain how environmental factors influence fertility at its earliest stage.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
In the interest of lowering fertility rates, policymakers and funders rallied to provide better access to reproductive health and family planning, which empowered women around the world to pursue education and employment.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
But Europe’s fertility is also declining, with the continent expecting a sustained population fall for the first time since the 14th century.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Botanical Name: Ilex decidua Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Type: Medium moisture, average fertility
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Deciduous holly puts on a show-stopping display in winter when bright red berries cling to the naked branches.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fertility
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
In the interest of lowering fertility rates, policymakers and funders rallied to provide better access to reproductive health and family planning, which empowered women around the world to pursue education and employment.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
But Europe’s fertility is also declining, with the continent expecting a sustained population fall for the first time since the 14th century.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Botanical Name: Ilex decidua Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Type: Medium moisture, average fertility
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Deciduous holly puts on a show-stopping display in winter when bright red berries cling to the naked branches.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fertility
Cite this Entry
“Fertility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertility. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share