cultivation

noun

cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
Synonyms of cultivationnext
1
: culture, refinement
2
: the act or art of cultivating or tilling

Synonyms of cultivation

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Examples of cultivation in a Sentence

people of cultivation appreciate the special experience that only live theater can provide
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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.
In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors, a move that would significantly lower energy consumption and cultivation costs — though home growers would be out of luck. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Most agricultural households can and do engage in other activities beyond cultivation to supplement their incomes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026 On June 9, 2022 Thailand officially decriminalized marijuana cultivation and possession and the government plans to give away 1 million cannabis plants for fee to people throughout the country. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Invasive plants are nonnative and have demonstrated the ability to spread aggressively, establish outside of cultivation into natural areas, and outcompete native plants. — Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cultivation

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cultivation was in 1553

Phrases Containing cultivation

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cultivated pearl
cultivation
cultivator
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Cite this Entry

“Cultivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cultivation

noun
cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce cultivation (audio)
1
: the act or art of cultivating especially the soil
2
: refinement sense 2

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on cultivation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cultivation

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