fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that fertilizes

specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens.

They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now there's another big one; the cost of nitrogen fertilizer, which often comes in the form of urea, is rising due to war. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

The 41 countries represented came from all continents except Antarctica, a reflection of the global tremors from a war that has sparked shortages of fuel and fertilizer and higher prices for food far beyond the Middle East. —Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

The previous version of BCI’s P&C covered soil health, biodiversity and natural habitats, water, pesticides and fertilizer use, along with livestock when relevant. —Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026

Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer five weeks after your grass seed has sprouted (repeat in another six weeks). —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilizer

• complete fertilizer

Rhymes for fertilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• localizer
• merchandiser

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər 

: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life