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

The concept involves producing in harmony with nature by reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides, working with cover cropping and intercropping, considering how the land should be cared for, and increasing fertilization so the product becomes healthier and better quality. —Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Place a tablespoon of a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) one inch beneath each bulb for better blooms. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

Fertilize container petunias weekly or biweekly with a diluted general-purpose liquid fertilizer when watering. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025

In Sri Lanka in 2021, the government banned chemical fertilizers, one of many policies imposed in an effort to shore up dwindling foreign currency reserves caused by years of economic mismanagement. —Amanda Taub, New York Times, 14 Apr. 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