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

The house sits on a waterfront parcel terraced with fruit trees, ponds, ferns and reflecting pools. — David Caraccio updated July 30, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

The park’s iconic Botanical Building, which anchors a tranquil lily pond, recently reopened to the public after being closed for construction for nearly three years, and houses a collection of rare plants, ferns, orchids, and palms. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

This stylish space is perfect for warm-weather dining, with comfy booths, jungle ferns and breeze blocks sifting in the fresh air. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Minabe’s designs can include fresh greenery and orchids, gladiolas, red and pink ginger, plumeria, ferns, tea leaves and the tiare’, which is also known as the Tahitian gardenia. — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

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
• quern
• spurn
• terne

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