: 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
Examples of fern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The next day, Ranger Martin located their items under a log in tall ferns.
—
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
These materials are timeless year-round and easily adapt with seasonal items like pumpkins and mums in the fall, fresh boxwoods and hydrangeas in the spring, and lush ferns in the summer.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
That includes more than 2,000 olive trees, palms, banyans, and other trees — plus over 10,000 plants like cascading ferns, colorful flamingo and water lilies, and flowering orange tulip ginger.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
This hanging fern would be a handsome addition to hang off your front porch but can also sit pretty on a flat surface of your choosing.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fern
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
These materials are timeless year-round and easily adapt with seasonal items like pumpkins and mums in the fall, fresh boxwoods and hydrangeas in the spring, and lush ferns in the summer.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
That includes more than 2,000 olive trees, palms, banyans, and other trees — plus over 10,000 plants like cascading ferns, colorful flamingo and water lilies, and flowering orange tulip ginger.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
This hanging fern would be a handsome addition to hang off your front porch but can also sit pretty on a flat surface of your choosing.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fern
Cite this Entry
“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share