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

Keep the plantings moist and fertilize monthly from March through October with a general garden product. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026

According to Kidd, fertilizing too early can cause a growth spurt that frost may damage. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026

Enriching the soil with compost before planting will give zucchini a boost, but plants should also be fertilized with a granular organic vegetable fertilizer when their vines start to spread and their flowers begin to open. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

Continue watering and fertilizing citrus and avocado. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 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