cultivation

noun

cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
Synonyms of cultivationnext
1
: culture, refinement
2
: the act or art of cultivating or tilling

Synonyms of cultivation

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Examples of cultivation in a Sentence

people of cultivation appreciate the special experience that only live theater can provide
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.
Lastly, the seaweed work appears especially early-stage and would require cultivation, harvesting, and downstream extraction at enormous scale. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026 The bill proposes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework covering cultivation, processing, testing, and labeling. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 The findings also revealed a record amount of coca cultivation in 2024, with approximately 261,000 hectares, or about 645,000 acres, planted across the nation. — Angie Acosta M, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 The annual exhibition of flower arranging and cultivation has been held in Norfolk each year since 1881; however, this is the first year the RHS is hosting the event at the King’s private Sandringham estate. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cultivation

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cultivation was in 1553

Phrases Containing cultivation

Rhymes for cultivation

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Browse Nearby Words

cultivated pearl
cultivation
cultivator
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Cite this Entry

“Cultivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivation. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cultivation

noun
cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
1
: the act or art of cultivating especially the soil
2
: refinement sense 2

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on cultivation

Nglish: Translation of cultivation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cultivation

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