sapling

noun

sap·​ling ˈsa-pliŋ 

-plən

1

: a young tree

specifically : one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height

2

: youth sense 2a

Examples of sapling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For a moment, the bison becomes distracted and takes its anger out on a small sapling. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026

One sapling was presented by the Walt Disney Hometown Museum to Disneyland as a gift in honor of the park’s 50th anniversary in 2005. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

The Japanese government donated 250 new cherry trees to join the 3,020 saplings that the city of Tokyo gave President William Howard Taft in 1912. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026

Only six trees are currently growing on the island, but there are 100 saplings in a greenhouse that will be planted. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sapling

• grappling

Kids Definition

sapling

noun

sap·​ling ˈsap-liŋ 

: a young tree