pollination

noun

pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce pollination (audio)
: the transfer of pollen from an anther to the stigma in angiosperms or from the microsporangium to the micropyle in gymnosperms

Examples of pollination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On weekdays, educational programs led by volunteers are given to thousands of schoolchildren on topics ranging from composting and conservation to pollination. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 Most varieties grown in home gardens bear female flowers that develop into fruit without pollination. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 More research is needed to establish the impacts of air pollution on different plant and pollinator systems and on daylight pollination, Thornton and Riffell both say. Popular Science, 8 Feb. 2024 For example, their evolution of new seed-dispersal and pollination mechanisms. Jamie Thompson, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2023 But that high-value demand also creates a lurking danger for legitimate beekeepers, who might spend a whole year gearing up for the pollination season. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Some cultivars might be self-pollinating, but those are probably in the minority and likely still would benefit from a second, different cultivar as its pollination partner. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2024 The Pollination Dance focuses on the role of the flower in the larger ecosystem, interacting with animals and insects to maintain the balance of life—in this case, through pollination. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2023 The collaboration is about celebrating the important role that pollinators play in ensuring biodiversity, but also to admire the beauty and mystery of the pollination act itself. Grace Banks, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pollination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollination was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near pollination

Cite this Entry

“Pollination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollination. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pollination

noun
pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌpäl-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce pollination (audio)
: the act or process of pollinating

More from Merriam-Webster on pollination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!