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

Water and fertilize through the pipe, which will be hidden as the centerpiece plant grows. —ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026

Finally, growing legumes to naturally fertilize soil is an age-old practice and one that can save you money. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

When you are allowed to fertilize again in October, apply a weed-and-feed, or if weeds are no longer of concern, a lawn fertilizer. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

How Weed-and-Feed Products Work Each weed-and-feed product has a unique recipe for targeting weeds and fertilizing grass. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 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