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

Use the spreader again to apply fertilizer to the areas that were seeded. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025

If a soil test reveals a lack of nutrients, add a slow-release granular fertilizer to fuel your garlic's growth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025

Pull back mulch, apply the fertilizer, and water it in. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

Limiting runoff from pesticides and fertilizers often used on lawns can reduce saltwater intrusion in aquifers and contamination in waterways, Davidson said. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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