fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing
Synonyms of fertilizenext

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
fertilizable
ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
adjective

Examples of fertilize in a Sentence

A single sperm fertilizes an egg. Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers. He fertilizes the lawn every year. The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.
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.
Fertilizer can give a lawn a boost, but knowing when to fertilize your lawn is vital for your grass to gain the full benefit of those vital nutrients. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 The treatments include in vitro fertilization, which involves ovulation stimulation, retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring the embryos into the uterus. — Lj Dawson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Kerr says old-fashioned seed petunias need less fertilizer than modern hybrids; old varieties may perform well being fertilized every two to four weeks. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 31 Aug. 2026 Those nutrients fertilize the tundra, which attracts the reindeer, who in turn attract predators like the Arctic fox. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fertilize

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilize was in 1621

Phrases Containing fertilize

Rhymes for fertilize

See All Rhymes for fertilize

Browse Nearby Words

fertilization tube
fertilize
fertilized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fertilize

verb
fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce fertilize (audio)
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: as
a
: to cause the fertilization of
also : to unite with in the process of fertilization
a sperm fertilizes an egg
b
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fertilize

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