pollinate

verb

pol·​li·​nate ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pollinate (audio)
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
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.
These solitary wasps are beneficial, preying on garden pests and pollinating flowers. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 These trees may struggle with pests and diseases, and can be difficult to pollinate. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026 Beekeepers now crisscross the country in semi-trucks to pollinate our crops, towing thousands of bee colonies from one blooming pasture to the next like cattle ranchers on wheels. Literary Hub, 27 May 2026 Its closure would leave a critical research gap in the Northeast, where beekeepers help pollinate cranberries, squash, blueberries and other crops. Jennie L. Durant, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollinate

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollinate was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollinate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

pollinate

verb
pol·​li·​nate ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pollinate (audio)
pollinated; pollinating
: to place pollen on the stigma of

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