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.
How to Apply Fall Fertilizer to Lawns Don't fertilize a dry lawn. Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 Strengthen the lawn September is prime time to reseed bare spots, treat grub damage, aerate, and fertilize. Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The heat in Zambia actually helped boost the basalt’s fertilizing properties and led to more carbon absorption and crop yield, Agarwal said. Eduardo Garcia, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 While actively growing, fertilize with a balanced slow release granular vegetable fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 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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