self-pollinate

verb

self-pol·​li·​nate ˌself-ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt 

self-pollinated; self-pollinating; self-pollinates

transitive verb

: self sense 2

intransitive verb

: to undergo self-pollination

Examples of self-pollinate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Toka plums will self-pollinate but can still benefit from having another plum tree nearby. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

How Tomato Plants Are Pollinated Tomato plants are self-pollinating, meaning each flower contains both male and female parts and can pollinate itself. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 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

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for self-pollinate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate