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

Medicare beneficiaries have full access to some of the drugs, like the fertility drugs. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

At-home hormone tests are popping up on social media and store shelves, promising to reveal insights into everything from fertility and menopause to stress and energy levels. — Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026

But as Scientific American has previously reported, taking testosterone comes with potential risks, including a decline in fertility, smaller testicles, acne, and more. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

This sorting means that initially small differences in fertility between liberals and conservatives can compound over time. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 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