cultivate

verb

cul·​ti·​vate ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce cultivate (audio)
cultivated; cultivating

transitive verb

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
3
: further, encourage
cultivate the arts
4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
looking for influential people to cultivate as friends
cultivatable adjective

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
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.
Their neighbors were literate, cultivated, liberal in their politics. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 The sun enters Gemini, cultivating a month of optimism and cattiness. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 16 May 2025 Scaling a business requires building a successful team and cultivating an empowering workplace culture rather than prioritizing transactions above all else. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 15 May 2025 Through live demonstrations and engaging discussions, discover practical tips for cultivating herbs in small spaces. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cultivate

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin cultivatus, past participle of cultivare, from cultivus cultivable, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere — see cult

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cultivate was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cultivate

verb
cul·​ti·​vate ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce cultivate (audio)
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
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 How to pronounce cultivate (audio)
cultivated; cultivating
: culture sense 1
viruses cultivated in brain tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on cultivate

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