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

Apply fertilizer every other month during the growing season. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

The foundation for the flower formation on the plant was laid many weeks ago in the fall, and no amount of fertilizer will change that; instead, fertilizing the plant will disrupt its natural lifecycle. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026

Then, there is a possibility to reuse the biochar as fertilizer. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

After watering, drain away any extra fertilizer pooling in your plant saucer so the roots don't sit in soggy soil. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 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