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

And while renewables might work for some energy-importing countries as a solution to high natural gas prices, there’s no green alternative for jet fuel — or fertilizer, or any number of other critical refined products — at scale. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026

But if fuel or fertilizer become too expensive, farmers are often on their own. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

How to Apply Fertilizer to Peonies Peony crowns can be damaged by fertilizer contact, so avoid applying fertilizer among the stems of the peony plants. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade normally passes through the strait, along with critical supplies of fertilizer for the world’s farmers, natural gas and humanitarian supplies for places in dire need like Afghanistan and Sudan. —ABC News, 20 Apr. 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