self-pollinate
verb
self-pol·li·nate
ˌself-ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt 
self-pollinated; self-pollinating; self-pollinates
: to undergo self-pollination
Examples of self-pollinate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its columnar growth habit produces self-pollinating shell-pink flowers in the spring, freestone fruit in the summer, and bright yellow fall foliage.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 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
However, even among those self-pollinating varieties, the introduction of the wasp results in a plumper, more flavorful fig.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Occasionally, a female tree might self-pollinate, but this is not the norm.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
Though both of these self-pollinate, fig production will be exponentially increased by the presence of two or more plants.
—Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 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
However, even among those self-pollinating varieties, the introduction of the wasp results in a plumper, more flavorful fig.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Occasionally, a female tree might self-pollinate, but this is not the norm.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
Though both of these self-pollinate, fig production will be exponentially increased by the presence of two or more plants.
—Nevin Martell, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Self-pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pollinate. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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