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.
Dairy farmers sell into commodity markets where prices are largely determined by global supply and demand, while essential inputs such as feed, fuel and fertilizer costs are driven by many of those same external forces. — Jeff Tkach, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Putin emphasized that Russia delivers grain and fertilizers to more than 40 African countries and stands ready to expand supplies. — Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The energy shock from the war in Iran has added pressure by pushing up fuel and fertilizer costs throughout the food supply chain. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 Haynes explained that the instrument could also extend the lifespan of catalysts for fuel cells, chemical manufacturing and fertilizer production. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 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 1 Nov. 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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