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.
Their hardiness suits confined spaces, and their blooms can attract beneficial insects that aid in pollinating vegetables like cucumbers and peppers. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026 Venture into this living kaleidoscope of color and learn all about the importance of pollinating insects. Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 10 Apr. 2026 This moves the pollen around the plant, increasing the chances that the female flower parts will be pollinated. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026 Trees are the first plants to begin pollinating as the weather warms, with grasses and weeds releasing pollen later on. Hali Smith april 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 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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