cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt 
cultivated; cultivating
1
: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops
Some fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
also
: to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2
a
: to foster the growth of
cultivate vegetables
cultivate coffee
b
: culture sense 2a
cultivate oysters for pearls
c
: to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
cultivate the mind
… cultivated a reputation as a hard-core wheeler-dealer …—
Kit Boss
Kit Boss4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
looking for influential people to cultivate as friends
Examples of cultivate in a Sentence
Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land.
Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
a plant that is cultivated for its fruit
They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.
He has carefully cultivated his image.
She cultivated a taste for fine wines.
Recent Examples on the Web
The acquisition of Curious Refuge will enable Promise to cultivate a talent pipeline versed in AI production techniques.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
That could leave Kenyans feeling burned, undermining the soft power the United States has spent decades — and billions — cultivating.
—Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Her jobs taught her the ins and outs of government while cultivating a friendly presence throughout the community.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
Gardner’s presence at the European Film Market for a fireside chat was a major coup for the new head of the market, Tanja Meissner, and to some extent for Tuttle, who’s cultivated close relationships with U.S. players from her previous stint as chief of the BFI London Film Festival.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
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Charlie Fink, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
That could leave Kenyans feeling burned, undermining the soft power the United States has spent decades — and billions — cultivating.
—Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Her jobs taught her the ins and outs of government while cultivating a friendly presence throughout the community.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
Gardner’s presence at the European Film Market for a fireside chat was a major coup for the new head of the market, Tanja Meissner, and to some extent for Tuttle, who’s cultivated close relationships with U.S. players from her previous stint as chief of the BFI London Film Festival.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cultivate
verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
1
a
: to prepare land for the raising of crops
b
: to loosen or break up the soil around (growing plants)
2
a
: to raise or assist the growth of by tilling or by labor and care
cultivate vegetables
cultivate oysters
b
3
: to improve or develop by careful attention, training, or study : devote time and thought to
cultivate one's mind
cultivate the arts
4
: to seek the company and friendship of
Medical Definition
cultivate
transitive verb
cul·ti·vate
ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt
cultivated; cultivating
: culture sense 1
viruses cultivated in brain tissue
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