fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: 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
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.
How To Fertilize When first planting pansies, Williams encourages the use of fertilizer. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024 Growing the fern in rice paddies and grinding it into the soil increases rice production without the need for artificial nitrogen fertilizers. Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer and maintenance than non-native species. Earl Foster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Leaves already affected by the nutrient issue won't green up again, but new leaves shouldn't have brown spots after adding fertilizer. 7. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fertilizer 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilizer was circa 1661

Dictionary Entries Near fertilizer

Cite this Entry

“Fertilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilizer. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun
fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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