self-pollination
noun
self-pol·li·na·tion
ˌself-ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən 
: the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or sometimes to that of a genetically identical flower (as of the same plant or clone)
Examples of self-pollination in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wind pollination is highly inefficient and self-pollination does not allow for evolution, so many plant species have evolved to entice and use insects and animals to pollinate themselves.
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The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
Although corn is self-fertile, in small backyard plantings less than 5% of the kernels on any corn plant result from self-pollination, while the rest are the result of pollen that comes from another plant.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 June 2024
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The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
Although corn is self-fertile, in small backyard plantings less than 5% of the kernels on any corn plant result from self-pollination, while the rest are the result of pollen that comes from another plant.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Self-pollination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-pollination. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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