fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: 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

Follow the best practices for lawn care, including regular fertilization, deep and adequate moisture, thatch removal, and weed control. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

Some conceive children naturally, others through in-vitro fertilization, or IVF. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

From there, Sesame links you with an IVI RMA clinic in your area—over 85% of them are within 25 miles of a Costco—to coordinate treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination), at reduced pricing, with drugs also discounted via Costco’s specialty pharmacy. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 9 Mar. 2026

Braconid wasps also are efficient pollinators visiting both ornamental and vegetable flowers transferring pollen for fertilization. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

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

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: 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

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising