fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
fertilizable 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wait to fertilize again until the developing fruits are about the size of a golf ball, at which time a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be used to side dress plants. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 June 2025 But their fortunes can rapidly bloom, fertilized by god knows what: a shot here, a stop there, a sudden injury or cold streak—like a garden in spring after a violent rain. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 Continue to keep moist and fertilize with a liquid product every other week at half strength. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025 It's generally expected that about 50 percent of mature eggs will turn into embryos once fertilized. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertilize

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilize was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb
fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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