First Known Use: circa 1655
Dictionary
cultivate
verb cul·ti·vate \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt\
: to prepare and use (soil) for growing plants
: to grow and care for (plants)
: to grow or raise (something) under conditions that you can control
cul·ti·vat·edcul·ti·vat·ing
Full Definition of CULTIVATE
transitive verb
1
: to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops; also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants)
2
4
: to seek the society of : make friends with
— cul·ti·vat·able \-ˌvā-tə-bəl\ adjective
See cultivate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CULTIVATE
Medieval Latin cultivatus, past participle of cultivare, from cultivus cultivable, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
Rhymes with CULTIVATE
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CULTIVATABLE Defined for Kids
cultivate
verb cul·ti·vate \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt\
cul·ti·vat·edcul·ti·vat·ing
Definition of CULTIVATE for Kids
1
: to prepare land for the raising of crops <cultivate a field>
2
: to raise or assist the growth of crops by tilling or by labor and care <cultivate corn>
3
: to improve or develop by careful attention, training, or study : devote time and thought to <He's trying to cultivate a better attitude.>
4
: to seek the company and friendship of <As soon as Johnny began to cultivate Dove, he was surprised at the response. — Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain>
Medical Dictionary
cultivate
transitive verb cul·ti·vate \ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt\
cul·ti·vat·edcul·ti·vat·ing
Learn More About CULTIVATE
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