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

Using full-strength fertilizer or fertilizing late in the season could cause root burn. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

Amaryllis Care Tips Amaryllis don't demand much other than bright light, regular water, and a little fertilizer to produce their impressive flowers. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2025

Once the solid waste has burned off, the water under the tarp is laden with residual nitrogen chemicals — the remains of the fertilizers, animal manure, and plant material. —Sean Patrick Cooper, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025

My cousins on the farm must pay for fertilizer in April but won’t have soybeans to sell until October. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 23 Nov. 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