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

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

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