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

Wait until your lawn starts to actively grow and soil temperatures warm to 55ºF before fertilizing your lawn in the spring. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

After fertilizing, reapply about 3 inches of mulch around your tree’s base and keep the mulch line at least 6 inches away from the tree’s trunk. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026

Providing full sunlight, protecting the tree during winter, pruning, and fertilizing at the right time will ensure your tree blooms and produces fruit. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

To keep oxalis happy, fertilize regularly and keep them moist, not wet. —Kerry Michaels, The Spruce, 9 Mar. 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