pollinator

noun

pol·​li·​na·​tor ˈpä-lə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce pollinator (audio)
: one that pollinates: such as
a
: an agent (such as an insect) that pollinates flowers

Examples of pollinator in a Sentence

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 plants are crucial to pollinators such as native bumblebees that rely on early food sources in spring. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 The colorful flying insects adorning the mural near 64th Street and Becher Place in West Allis could soon be joined by real-life counterparts — if a local group achieves its goal of transforming the area into a prairie pollinator garden. Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 23 Mar. 2026 These are specially designed to attract and support creatures like bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026 To keep them plentiful, the FWC recommends homeowners preserve trees with cavities or peeling bark, leave dead fronds on palm trees to provide roosting spots, add native plants when landscaping to attract pollinators and install a bat house on your property. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollinator

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollinator was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollinator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollinator. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

pollinator

noun
pol·​li·​na·​tor ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt-ər How to pronounce pollinator (audio)
: something (as an insect) that pollinates flowers
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