fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that fertilizes

specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens.

They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut down on fertilizer to allow new growth to harden off. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025

Stormwater runoff alone accounts for nearly 80% of the pollution in the lakes, carrying fertilizers, chemicals and trash that threaten aquatic life and water safety. —Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025

Last week, during his visit to India, the Chinese foreign minister assured that his country will address the India's need for rare earths, tunnel boring machines and fertilizers. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

Dependence on specific water basins, groundwater rules, trade policies, labor costs and input prices such as fertilizer or energy can all influence outcomes. —Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilizer

• complete fertilizer

Rhymes for fertilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər 

: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life