C1verbnaturescience
US/ˈpɑː.lə.neɪt/
UK/ˈpɒl.ə.neɪt/
to carry pollen from one flower to another so that the plant can make seeds or fruit
In context
Bees pollinate many of the fruits and vegetables we eat.
Without insects to pollinate the flowers, the farmers would lose most of their crops.
The flowers are pollinated by the wind rather than by animals.
Words that go with pollinate
verb + noun
- pollinate flowersBees pollinate flowers while they search for nectar.
- pollinate cropsInsects pollinate crops such as apples.
verb + preposition
- pollinated by beesAlmonds are pollinated by bees.
- pollinate by handFarmers sometimes pollinate by hand.
- help to pollinateBirds help to pollinate wild plants.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Bees pollinate for flowers.Correct: Bees pollinate flowers.