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 Middle East war and the subsequent crisis in the strategically vital Strait of ‌Hormuz have stoked fears of a global agrifood ​catastrophe as flows of fertilizer and energy exports essentially ground to a halt. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

In Indonesia, farmers rely on rain to dissolve fertilizers into the soil to avoid burning the plants, explained Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association. — Edna Tarigan, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

In 2021, prior to import restrictions imposed on Belarus, the United States imported about 700,000 tons of potassium fertilizer from Belarus, accounting for 5% of total imports, according to federal data. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

The effects of the Iran war have been particularly damaging for regions that are heavily reliant on energy imports, such as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where farmers have felt the pressure of rising fertilizer and fuel costs. — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 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
• digitizer
• equalizer
• localizer
• merchandiser
• moisturizer

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