fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: 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
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.
Ocean iron fertilization grew from the idea that iron-rich dust blown across the oceans during past ice ages fed blooms of phytoplankton, helping to lower atmospheric CO₂. — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Humphries said her own experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and endometriosis forced difficult decisions about whether to spend available money on starting a family, medical needs or her athletic career. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Over-fertilization stresses your lawn, causing yellowing, wilting, and weak roots that struggle to absorb water. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026 Because grass roots take up nutrients more efficiently during this active growth window, fertilization of Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season grass lawns is ordinarily recommended in fall. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fertilization

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilization was circa 1787

Phrases Containing fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

See All Rhymes for fertilization

Browse Nearby Words

fertilizable
fertilization
fertilization cone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
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 How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilization

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fertilization

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