fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

transitive verb

: to make fertile: such as

a

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land

b

: to cause the fertilization of

fertilizable

ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of fertilize in a Sentence

A single sperm fertilizes an egg.

Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers.

He fertilizes the lawn every year.

The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cool season lawns grow actively in fall and spring and should be fertilized accordingly. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025

Do fertilize your trees now and again in May, August and early October. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025

For high quality turf, also fertilize in May. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025

But figuring out how and when to fertilize your lawn in an effective and environmentally sustainable way can be daunting. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilize

• cross-fertilize

Rhymes for fertilize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

fertilize

verb

fer·​til·​ize ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized; fertilizing

: to make fertile: as

a

: to cause the fertilization of

also : to unite with in the process of fertilization

a sperm fertilizes an egg

b

: to apply a fertilizer to

fertilize land