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Definition of fertilize

fertilize

/ˈfɜːr.tə.laɪz/
(UK: fertilise)
fer · ti · lize
Adjective:fertilizable
•
Past Simple:fertilized
•
Past Participle:fertilized
•
Present Participle:fertilizing
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fertilize Lexical Profile

fertilize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

American To apply natural or synthetic nutrients, such as compost or chemical compounds, to soil or land in order to make it more productive and promote plant growth.

Example

"The gardener decided to fertilize the vegetable patch with organic compost before planting the spring crops."

2

American To cause an egg, female animal, or plant to develop a new individual by introducing male reproductive cells (such as sperm or pollen).

Example

"Honeybees play a vital ecological role as they travel from blossom to blossom to fertilize wildflowers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for fertilize

• Rhymes for fertilize

• Nearby Words

fertilely
fertility
fertilization
fertilize
fertilizer
ferula
fervent

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the adjective 'fertile' and the suffix '-ize', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'fertilis' ('fruitful, productive'), from 'ferre' ('to bear').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fertilize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fertilize
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