fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈti-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population

Examples of fertility in a Sentence

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population.

The doctor ordered a test of his fertility.

The area is known for its soil fertility.

the fertility of his imagination

Recent Examples on the Web

Plunging fertility rates across Latin America are likely to strain public finances and social stability as the cost of caring for the elderly surges, as The Economist reported in January 2024. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

The findings from this study add to it, shedding light on the structure of sperm and its role in male fertility. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

Oh, and the reports’ authors want a public-education campaign aimed at improving fertility. —Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

The study raises important clinical considerations, according to Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, an obstetrics, gynecology and fertility medicine specialist located in Melbourne, Australia. —New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fertility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Medical Definition

fertility

noun

fer·​til·​i·​ty (ˌ)fər-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural fertilities

1

: the quality or state of being fertile

2

: the birth rate of a population