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
Avoid fertilizing after July to prevent tender growth that won’t survive frost, and focus on balanced nutrients for fruit production.
—
Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
In restricted areas, in-ground plantings cannot be fertilized June through September.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Thin seedlings to 2–3 plants per hill or pot, water consistently, and use mulch to retain moisture; fertilize regularly.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
Once true leaves appear, fertilize with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula every two weeks.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fertilize
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Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
In restricted areas, in-ground plantings cannot be fertilized June through September.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Thin seedlings to 2–3 plants per hill or pot, water consistently, and use mulch to retain moisture; fertilize regularly.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
Once true leaves appear, fertilize with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula every two weeks.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 12 May 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 21 May. 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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