fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: one that fertilizes
specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens. They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.
Recent Examples on the Web Corn requires large amounts of fertilizer to grow and some farmers who grow it leave the soil bare after harvesting, risking soil loss and nutrient runoff. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024 Join Be Floridian Now for a pop-up shop and workshop about native plants, the proper use of fertilizer, and protecting our waterways this July. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2024 China is the largest producer and user of chemical fertilizers. Discover Magazine, 17 June 2024 One annual application of a slow-release shrub and tree fertilizer in late winter or early spring is sufficient. Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for fertilizer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fertilizer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilizer was circa 1661

Dictionary Entries Near fertilizer

Cite this Entry

“Fertilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilizer. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun
fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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