fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: an act or process of making fertile: such as
a
: the application of fertilizer
b(1)
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination
—not used technically
(2)
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

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.
Each style connects to its own ovary within the flower, serving to direct the sperm-laden pollen to the right place for fertilization. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 June 2026 Next steps are usually fertilization, but there was no fertilizer. — Angela Hatem, Parents, 9 June 2026 Base editing would need to occur sooner, at five to 12 hours after fertilization, to prevent that, according to the preprint. — Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Mowing the grass too short and excessive fertilization are two common examples, Spanenberg says. — The Spruce, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fertilization

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilization was circa 1787

Phrases Containing fertilization

Rhymes for fertilization

See All Rhymes for fertilization

Browse Nearby Words

fertilizable
fertilization
fertilization cone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
1
: an act or process of making fertile
especially : the application of fertilizer
2
: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​iza·​tion
variants or British fertilisation
ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: an act or process of making fertile: as
a
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation
b
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated
fertilize transitive verb
or British fertilise
ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilization

Nglish: Translation of fertilization for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fertilization

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