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

The couple recently appeared to have their sights on welcoming more children into their family, with Bunnie previously opening up about their in vitro fertilization journey. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 June 2026

In May 2024, Kardashian Barker answered a few questions from fans on her Instagram Stories — including one who asked her about her in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Best Fertilizer to Use for Hydrangeas Since hydrangeas are susceptible to over-fertilization, opt for a balanced fertilizer to reduce the risk of accidentally damaging your plant. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026

How to Fertilize Peonies Although fertilization is an important part of peony care, more is not always better. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 12 June 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