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

Lean into native plants, which have been thriving here long before bags of fertilizer and garden hoses were around. —Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

Choose a fertilizer specifically designed for acid-loving plants, and follow the instructions on the packaging. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026

Once the rose has fully leafed out, apply a granular fertilizer, preferably a rose fertilizer, following the directions on the label. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026

Make Compost and Mulch at Home Annually enriching soil with compost and mulch reduces the need for fertilizer and boosts the health of edible plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026

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