germinate
verb
ger·mi·nate
ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt 
germinated; germinating
: to cause to sprout or develop
1
: to come into being : evolve
before Western civilization began to germinate—
A. L. Kroeber
A. L. Kroeber2
: to begin to grow : sprout
waiting for the seeds to germinate
Examples of germinate in a Sentence
methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds
Recent Examples on the Web
Optimal Timing for Planting Grass Seed In Spring Grass seeds require adequate moisture, favorable temperatures, and oxygen to germinate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Soils hold summer heat well into autumn, providing the warmth seeds need to germinate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
The questions surrounding Holloway’s final moments captured the attention of the entire country for days, weeks and years after her death – dominating the 24/7 news cycle, inspiring dozens of books and documentaries, and helping to germinate America’s obsession with true crime.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
These nutrients fuel grass growth, reduce patchy spots, and help seeds germinate and root faster.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germinate
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Soils hold summer heat well into autumn, providing the warmth seeds need to germinate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
The questions surrounding Holloway’s final moments captured the attention of the entire country for days, weeks and years after her death – dominating the 24/7 news cycle, inspiring dozens of books and documentaries, and helping to germinate America’s obsession with true crime.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
These nutrients fuel grass growth, reduce patchy spots, and help seeds germinate and root faster.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germinate
Cite this Entry
“Germinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germinate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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Medical Definition
germinate
verb
ger·mi·nate
ˈjər-mə-ˌnāt
germinated; germinating
: to cause to sprout or develop
: to begin to grow : sprout
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