pollinate

verb

pol·​li·​nate ˈpä-lə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pollinate (audio)
pollinated; pollinating

transitive verb

1
: to carry out the pollination of
2
: to mark or smudge with pollen

Examples of pollinate in a Sentence

The plants are pollinated by bees.
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.
Explore the different types of birds, butterflies, bees, and beetles, pollinating the lagoon’s diverse flowers. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 These plants are also crucial to local ecosystems, providing essential resources for a variety of creatures, including hummingbirds that pollinate their flowers. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 Butterflies play an essential role in ecosystems, pollinating flowers, crops, and other plants. Sarah Metz, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025 These insects end up being coated with a thick, sticky liquid that dries onto their bodies and serves to pollinate the flower. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pollinate

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollinate was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollinate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pollinate

verb
pol·​li·​nate ˈpäl-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pollinate (audio)
pollinated; pollinating
: to place pollen on the stigma of

More from Merriam-Webster on pollinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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