pollinate

verb

pol·​li·​nate ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt 

pollinated; pollinating

transitive verb

1

: to carry out the pollination of

2

: to mark or smudge with pollen

Examples of pollinate in a Sentence

The plants are pollinated by bees.

Recent Examples on the Web

When his bees aren't busy pollinating crops, Bradshaw rents pastures from local farmers, particularly cattle ranchers, to host his hives while the bees rest and build up their food stores for winter. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 25 July 2026

Joe Pye Weed Another North American native that pollinating insects love is Joe Pye weed. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Birds and other pollinators, like bees and butterflies, will appreciate the opportunity to pollinate nearby or the chance to rest on the rocks. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

How Tomato Plants Are Pollinated Tomato plants are self-pollinating, meaning each flower contains both male and female parts and can pollinate itself. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollinate

• cross-pollinate
• self-pollinate

Rhymes for pollinate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

pollinate

verb

pol·​li·​nate ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt 

pollinated; pollinating

: to place pollen on the stigma of