cultivation

noun

cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
Synonyms of cultivationnext
1
2
: the act or art of cultivating or tilling

Examples of cultivation in a Sentence

people of cultivation appreciate the special experience that only live theater can provide
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.
Coffee farms passed down through multiple generations could see an end to a legacy, and the effects could be drastic in parts of the global south where coffee cultivation is an economic pillar. Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025 Crypto—and the cultivation of foreign investors—remained central to the Trumps’ enrichment strategy. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 Separatist activity in Balochistan is likely to increase, fueled by poppy cultivation, mining disputes, and illicit funding, creating additional flashpoints that could spill into urban centers. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 In Los Angeles County, CDFW and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department served 52 warrants at outdoor cultivation sites in the Lancaster area. Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cultivation

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cultivation was in 1553

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cultivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

cultivation

noun
cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
1
: the act or art of cultivating especially the soil
2

Medical Definition

cultivation

noun
cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on cultivation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!