fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 
fertilized; fertilizing
: to make fertile: such as
a
: to apply a fertilizer to
fertilize land
b
: to cause the fertilization of
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
In exchange, megafauna trampled, ate and otherwise deterred the grasses’ main botanical competitors, such as shrubs and trees, and fertilized the fields with their copious dung.
—
Ferris Jabr, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024
One day, Broberg discovered the farmer was fertilizing with hog manure.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 3 July 2024
Keep moist and fertilize every other week with an orchid fertilizer during the spring through fall months.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2024
Their use should be balanced with other fertilizing methods to ensure long-term soil health.
—Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilize 
Ferris Jabr, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024
One day, Broberg discovered the farmer was fertilizing with hog manure.
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 3 July 2024
Keep moist and fertilize every other week with an orchid fertilizer during the spring through fall months.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2024
Their use should be balanced with other fertilizing methods to ensure long-term soil health.
—Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fertilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fertilize
Cite this Entry
“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fertilize
verb
fer·til·ize
ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz
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
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