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.
The mid-19th century had seen a massive increase in the use of nitrogen-rich guano in fertilizer and gunpowder, and the demand for this commodity would fuel a wave of American expansion throughout the Pacific. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 The examples of vitamin D and synthetic fertilizer already point in this direction. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 Most of the nitrogen used in fertilizer travels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel in the Middle East controlled by Iran. — Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 Chemical plants need vast quantities of this gas to manufacture fertilizers, refine fuels, and make everyday plastics. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilizer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fertilizer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fertilizer

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