self-pollinate

[self-pol-uh-neyt, self-]

verb (used with or without object)

self-pollinated, self-pollinating 

1. to undergo or cause to undergo self-pollination.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-pollinate¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

This allows them to self-pollinate instead of relying on birds, insects or other pollinators.

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When cranberries don't self-pollinate, they rely on bumblebees and honeybees to transport their pollen from flower to flower.

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In rice, seed companies must first develop a strain of plants that can’t self-pollinate.

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Most cucumbers can’t self-pollinate, which means that they need the pollen of another plant to form seeds and fruit.

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The Reginas do not self-pollinate, which is why Fowler needs bees to pick up pollen from other varieties interspersed in the rows — and drop it in the Regina blossoms.

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