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

That means more babies were born each month than the same month the previous year – a sign that the overall fertility rate could see a second year of growth. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

But experts said fertility clinics are not held to the same standards and regulations as other areas of medicine. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026

For example, although births increased in 2024 over the year before, the fertility rate actually fell, noted Karen Guzzo, a family demographer at the University of North Carolina. —Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026

This organic soil amendment will improve soil fertility and drainage. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 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