pollination

noun

pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce pollination (audio)
: the transfer of pollen from an anther to the stigma in angiosperms or from the microsporangium to the micropyle in gymnosperms

Examples of pollination 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.
However, figs in the wild do need pollination in order to produce fruit. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Unfavorable weather during pollination and seed development periods can result in reduced production of acorns. — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 2 Sep. 2026 Some pear varieties need a compatible second variety nearby for pollination, says Spoonemore, so always check the pollination requirements before buying one. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026 Avalo instead draws from a broad pool of cotton genetics, including wild varieties, and uses natural pollination to develop non-GMO crops adapted to particular regions. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollination

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollination was in 1873

Phrases Containing pollination

Rhymes for pollination

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Browse Nearby Words

pollinate
pollination
pollinator
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Cite this Entry

“Pollination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollination. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pollination

noun
pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌpäl-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce pollination (audio)
: the act or process of pollinating

More from Merriam-Webster on pollination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pollination

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