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
To discourage them from building nests in your lawn, fill in any bare patches with grass seed or other plants and fertilize regularly.
—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Keep the seedlings moist and begin fertilizing a week after germination with a half-strength liquid product.
—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Feed Light and Often To fertilize your orchid, Kondrat recommends using a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength once a week.
—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2026
Stop pruning and fertilizing by August 1 to protect next year’s buds.
—
Kate McKenna,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
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Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
Keep the seedlings moist and begin fertilizing a week after germination with a half-strength liquid product.
—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Feed Light and Often To fertilize your orchid, Kondrat recommends using a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength once a week.
—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2026
Stop pruning and fertilizing by August 1 to protect next year’s buds.
—
Kate McKenna,
The Spruce,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
Cite this Entry
“Fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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