fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: such as

a

: the application of fertilizer

b(1)

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination

—not used technically

(2)

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Exposure to organic carbon showed negative impacts with oocyte survival, fertilization and embryo quality, the study said. —Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025

Proper fertilization and watering support flowering, as agapanthus naturally bloom following seasonal rains. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025

The memoir also details Neeley’s experience becoming pregnant at 19, giving birth at 20 and losing her child’s father in a car accident, as well as her experience with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

Severe endometriosis Severe male infertility Reproductive Health Issues Summary Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are fertility procedures. —Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: an act or process of making fertile

especially : the application of fertilizer

2

: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​iza·​tion

variants or British fertilisation

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: as

a

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation

b

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

fertilize transitive verb

or British fertilise

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising