self-pollinate

verb

self-pol·​li·​nate ˌself-ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt How to pronounce self-pollinate (audio)
self-pollinated; self-pollinating; self-pollinates

intransitive verb

: to undergo self-pollination

Examples of self-pollinate 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.
Its flowers self-pollinate, so one plant is plenty, but since container soil tends to lose moisture more quickly, your tree will need regular watering. Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 These plants have separate male and female flowers and cannot self-pollinate. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 Some flowering annuals like scaevola may self-pollinate in mid-season and produce seedheads instead of blooms. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 14 Apr. 2026 Although All-In-One almond trees can self-pollinate, having bees around will produce a larger crop. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Although eggplants are self-pollinating crops, studies have found that eggplants produce larger fruit when they’re pollinated by insects. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-pollinate was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pollinate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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