pollinator

American  

[pah-luh-nayt-er] / ˈpɑ ləˌneɪt ər /

noun

1. an insect or other animal that pollinates a plant.

2. a plant which provides pollen for cross-pollination.

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Explanation

An animal that helps fertilize plants by moving pollen from one to another is a pollinator. Honeybees act as inadvertent pollinators as they collect nectar to make honey. When you think of pollinators, you probably picture bees buzzing from flower to flower as pollen collects on their legs. Many other insects, including ants, wasps, beetles, and butterflies, are also pollinators. Birds are too — and even mammals like possums and monkeys can pollinate plants, spreading pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another so the plant can reproduce. The Latin root of pollinator, meaning "fine flour," describes pollen's powdery appearance.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pollinator

Instead of flower size or pollinator type driving diversification, the key factor appears to be how rapidly cactus flowers change shape over time.

From Science Daily ● May 13, 2026

Stephen Frantz, 82, said he would have to sell his home, with its pollinator garden, if the override succeeds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

“The city of Santa Rosa does not want to do anything to discourage people who want to support our pollinator community,” Stapp told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025

It was introduced to the U.S. via colonization, where it is now out-competing many native pollinator species and also spreading disease to other insects.

From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2025

Set of Fruit Depends on Pollination The best yields of fruit are found on trees that have a good pollinator close by.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 41st Annual Meeting Pleasant Valley, New York, August 28, 29 and 30, 1950 by Northern Nut Growers Association