fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
Synonyms of fertilizernext
: one that fertilizes
specifically : a substance (such as manure or a chemical mixture) used to make soil more fertile

Examples of fertilizer in a Sentence

We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens. They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.
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.
Their abundance and diversity depend on vegetation, disturbance history, fertilizer use and soil conditions. — Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the importance of hydrogen and its derivatives to products essential to our society, such as aviation fuel and fertilizer. — Sverre Alvik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Backed in the early days by organic farming advocates, regenerative agriculture may also cut down or eliminate synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but puts a sharper focus on soil health and biodiversity. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Once the ground is cleared and loosened, work in a layer of topsoil, compost, or fertilizer before laying down seed. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fertilizer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilizer was circa 1661

Phrases Containing fertilizer

Rhymes for fertilizer

See All Rhymes for fertilizer

Browse Nearby Words

fertilized
fertilizer
fertilizer analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Fertilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilizer. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun
fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər How to pronounce fertilizer (audio)
: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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