fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as

a

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land

b

: to cause the fertilization of

fertilizable

ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

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

Wood ash contains many nutrients that are useful for fertilizing plants, especially calcium, potassium (potash), magnesium, and phosphorus. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026

The team now believes a male fertilized the eggs before the octopus arrived at the aquarium. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Keep moist and fertilize monthly. —Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

For best results, fertilize the trees in early spring and again in summer. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilize

• cross-fertilize

Rhymes for fertilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids 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