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.
When his bees aren't busy pollinating crops, Bradshaw rents pastures from local farmers, particularly cattle ranchers, to host his hives while the bees rest and build up their food stores for winter. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 25 July 2026 If not, plant another compatible variety nearby or graft a pollinating branch onto the existing tree. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026 Joe Pye Weed Another North American native that pollinating insects love is Joe Pye weed. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 22 July 2026 Birds and other pollinators, like bees and butterflies, will appreciate the opportunity to pollinate nearby or the chance to rest on the rocks. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing pollinate

Rhymes for pollinate

See All Rhymes for pollinate

Browse Nearby Words

pollinarium
pollinate
pollination
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Cite this Entry

“Pollinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollinate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of pollinate for Spanish Speakers

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