# fertilize

/ˈfɝtəˌɫaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fertilize
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to add food for plants to the soil to help them grow. You also use it when a male cell joins a female egg to start new life.

For teachers: to supply soil or plants with nutrients that promote growth; to unite sperm and egg to initiate embryonic development.

## Examples

- Farmers fertilize the fields every spring.
- She fertilizes her tomato plants with compost to help them grow strong through the summer.
- After testing the depleted soil, the vineyard decided to fertilize selectively, restoring nitrogen where the vines showed yellowing while leaving the healthier rows untouched.

## Synonyms

feed, enrich

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.