fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce fertility (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being fertile
2
: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population. The doctor ordered a test of his fertility. The area is known for its soil fertility. the fertility of his imagination
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.
The fertility rate among Americans is already below the 2.1 replacement level. Dylan Scott, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025 Traditional items on the table will include two candlesticks signifying light, a mirror representing eternity, nuts and eggs for fertility, and coins for prosperity. 8. Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 Her request for a conversation with the prison's OB-GYN about fertility preservation was denied. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 This is a book that deals with fertility treatments and the feelings associated with desiring a child but not being able to conceive one. The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fertility 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertility was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fertility

Cite this Entry

“Fertility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertility. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

fertility

noun
fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē How to pronounce fertility (audio)
plural fertilities
1
: the quality or state of being fertile
2
: the birth rate of a population
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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