fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfər-tə-ˌlī-zər 

: 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

Many have been feeling the squeeze as costs for inputs like diesel, fertilizer and seed have soared thanks to refinery constraints and supply disruptions amid the Iran war. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

The report also noted that 40 percent of participating farmers reduced their synthetic pesticide active ingredient use per hectare last year, with 34 percent reporting usage of organic fertilizers such as manure. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Use a fertilizer with a moderate nutrient ratio and avoid overfeeding. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026

Earlier this year, the Farm Bureau called for suspending fertilizer tariffs and facilitating safe passage through Hormuz. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilizer

• complete fertilizer

Rhymes for fertilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• localizer
• merchandiser
• moisturizer

Kids Definition

fertilizer

noun

fer·​til·​iz·​er ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌī-zər 

: a substance (as manure or a chemical) used to make soil produce larger or more plant life