fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: any of a division (Polypodiophyta) or class (Polypodiopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations

especially : any of an order (Polypodiales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds compare seed fern

fernlike

ˈfərn-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2025

In the downstairs bath, a dark wallpaper with leaves and ferns complement the black and white tile. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025

The Fern Grove collection will elevate your scentscape with a calming blend of fern, oakmoss, fig, watercress, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2025

Redwoods Coast redwoods thrive along foggy shorelines, creating forests rich with ferns, lichens, moss, and plenty of mushrooms in the fall. —AFAR Media, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fern

• bird's-nest fern
• Boston fern
• Christmas fern
• cinnamon fern
• fern bar
• fern seed
• hay-scented fern
• maidenhair fern
• male fern
• ostrich fern
• seed fern
• southern maidenhair fern
• sweet fern
• sword fern
• tree fern
• Venus' hair fern

Rhymes for fern

• berne
• burn
• churn
• dern
• earn
• erne
• hern
• hirn
• learn
• morne
• quern
• spurn

Kids Definition

fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: any of an order of vascular plants resembling seed plants in having root, stem, and leaflike fronds but reproducing by spores instead of by flowers and seeds

fernlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective