fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as

a

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land

b

: to cause the fertilization of

fertilizable

ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of fertilize in a Sentence

A single sperm fertilizes an egg.

Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers.

He fertilizes the lawn every year.

The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.

Recent Examples on the Web

After the soil was fertilized, Ryan dug holes near the corners of the towers to allow the developing vines to grow along the vertical strings that stretch to the top of the support. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026

Keep moist and fertilize every other month when making growth. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

To prepare the tree for winter, stop fertilizing in summer to keep any new growth from being damaged. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026

Feed your plant once a month until late August, then discontinue fertilizing to encourage bud development. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilize

• cross-fertilize

Rhymes for fertilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

: to make fertile: as

a

: to cause the fertilization of

also : to unite with in the process of fertilization

a sperm fertilizes an egg

b

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land