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
Skip the Fertilizer Many houseplant lovers fertilize their plants during the growing season by adding a very small amount of fertilizer to the water—either once a month, every other week, or for each watering session.
—
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
While low light levels trigger flowering, fertilizing Christmas cactus at the right time and in the right way is key for getting your plant to bloom like never before.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
Ensure the mix has good airflow, give the orchid plenty of bright, indirect light, and hold off on fertilizing until the orchid recovers.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Not Fertilizing One of the biggest mistakes people make when growing orchids is not fertilizing at all.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
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Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
While low light levels trigger flowering, fertilizing Christmas cactus at the right time and in the right way is key for getting your plant to bloom like never before.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
Ensure the mix has good airflow, give the orchid plenty of bright, indirect light, and hold off on fertilizing until the orchid recovers.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Not Fertilizing One of the biggest mistakes people make when growing orchids is not fertilizing at all.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
Cite this Entry
“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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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