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.
Ingrid traveled to California to research pitaya, studying different varieties, cultivation techniques, production systems, and all the potential benefits of introducing the crop to Puerto Rico. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 In Uganda and Rwanda, mushroom cultivation provides households with income while easing the pressure on wetland areas that support threatened cranes. — John Cannon, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Vance has neither criticized his friend nor publicly nudged Carlson to temper what’s been harsh criticism of Israel — and Trump’s cultivation of the Netanyahu government. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Although van der Hilst is known as an expert in tulip history and is famous for his cultivation of rare bulbs, this garden remains discreet. — Michael James Gardner, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 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

Rhymes for cultivation

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Browse Nearby Words

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 Oct. 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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