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

But even alkaline garden soil may become acidic over time as a result of environmental factors, such as acid rain, or the overuse of synthetic fertilizers and other soil amendments. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026

Apply 1 pound of nitrogen fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026

And these startling figures do not reflect the food crises that could be unleashed this year by rising energy and fertilizer prices, decreases in grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, and an intensifying El Niño weather pattern. — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026

This is because the costs of maintaining a herd—feed, fertilizer and equipment—have gone up as a result of tariffs and drought, so fewer farmers breed cows for slaughter, which restricts beef supply. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 4 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