fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: such as

a

: the application of fertilizer

b(1)

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination

—not used technically

(2)

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, excessive nitrogen fertilization of legumes can inhibit the natural nitrogen-fixation process, so use only a low-strength nitrogen fertilizer if absolutely necessary. —Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025

The couple had conceived a son through in vitro fertilization (IVF) around 2009 and entered a sprawling custody battle years later after Schreiber’s attorneys argued that Patric was only a sperm donor — not the father. —Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Brown leaves may be a sign of nutrient imbalance, typically excess fertilization. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

In Davidson’s case, her ovaries were producing eggs despite the lack of functional womb, so prior to the transplant, Davidson and her husband had in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to create embryos which were frozen, so they could be implanted after the transplant. —Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: an act or process of making fertile

especially : the application of fertilizer

2

: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​iza·​tion

variants or British fertilisation

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: as

a

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation

b

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

fertilize transitive verb

or British fertilise

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising