Definition of CULTIVATING (original) (raw)
1
: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops
Some fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2
a
: to foster the growth of
c
: to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
… cultivated a reputation as a hard-core wheeler-dealer …—
Kit Boss
4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
looking for influential people to cultivate as friends
Synonyms
Examples of cultivate in a Sentence
Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land. Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow. a plant that is cultivated for its fruit They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain. He has carefully cultivated his image. She cultivated a taste for fine wines.
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.
Next Steps for Success: Get the Kids Involved: create opportunities for heirs to participate in philanthropic efforts and legacy planning to cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility. —April Rudin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Amid all of this, Border Hawk cultivated a growing audience for stories that blamed migrants themselves for the growing chaos. —Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024 Along the way, the veteran exec (Pepsi, Beats, Apple, Uber) cultivated a mystique that’s rare among those in the c-suite… and a few detractors, as well. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024 Satter’s longstanding, four-decade commitment to nurturing artists and cultivating independent film with the Sundance Labs will be feted. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cultivate 
Word History
Etymology
Medieval Latin cultivatus, past participle of cultivare, from cultivus cultivable, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere — see cult
First Known Use
1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of cultivate was in 1588
Dictionary Entries Near cultivate
Cite this Entry
“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivate. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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