fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
Examples of fertilize in a Sentence
A single sperm fertilizes an egg.
Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers.
He fertilizes the lawn every year.
The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.
Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, the vanilla plant’s natural habitat is the tropical forests of Mexico, where native bees fertilize the big, blooming white orchids.
—
Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
Keep in mind, these cultivars may still produce pollen that could fertilize more invasive butterfly bushes nearby.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
However, this resource frequently runs out in the summer as the fish lay and fertilize their eggs, which can lead to complete spawning failures in lethally warm water.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
But its outcomes can’t be known until years later, when the eggs are thawed and fertilized.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
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show current usage.
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Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
Keep in mind, these cultivars may still produce pollen that could fertilize more invasive butterfly bushes nearby.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
However, this resource frequently runs out in the summer as the fish lay and fertilize their eggs, which can lead to complete spawning failures in lethally warm water.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
But its outcomes can’t be known until years later, when the eggs are thawed and fertilized.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
Cite this Entry
“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: as
a
: to cause the fertilization of
also
: to unite with in the process of fertilization
a sperm fertilizes an egg
b
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
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