germinates; germinated; germinating
1
of a seed
: to begin to grow
waiting for the seeds to germinate [=sprout]
The seeds germinated quickly.
—often used figurativelyThe idea has been germinating [=forming, developing] in his mind for some time.
2
: to cause (a seed) to begin to grow
methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds
Cite this Entry
“Germinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/germinate. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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