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.
Just as many were making decisions about their crops, fertilizer prices soared, peaking in April at 44% higher than before the war, according to the World Bank’s price index. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 One of these women is a Stanford chemist whose fertilizer pulls carbon out of the sky. — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Ammobia and Lummus will initially prioritize commercial projects involving maritime fuel and power generation, while Ammobia continues developing applications for fertilizer and industrial production. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 The global disruption to oil, gas and fertilizer trade caused by the closure of the strait has also helped Russia make inroads on finding new customers. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fertilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilizer. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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