fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: an act or process of making fertile: such as
a
: the application of fertilizer
b(1)
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination
not used technically
(2)
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
During their time together, the pair had been open about their journey of trying to conceive a child using in-vitro fertilization. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 3 Sep. 2025 Farmers can test strategies for irrigation, fertilization, and pest control in a risk-free virtual environment before implementing them in the field. Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Follow with an early summer fertilization to help plants endure environmental stresses. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025 These relationships vary by soil types and fertilization levels and across more than 30 states. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertilization

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilization was circa 1787

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
1
: an act or process of making fertile
especially : the application of fertilizer
2
: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​iza·​tion
variants or British fertilisation
: an act or process of making fertile: as
a
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation
b
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated
fertilize transitive verb
or British fertilise
fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!