1
: a young tree
specifically
: one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height
2
Examples of sapling in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nonprofits and government agencies can then buy saplings or shrubs from a community nursery to restore nearby forests.
—
Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Age mandates for trees worry some environmentalists Woodlands that are healthy, biodiverse and able to provide food and habitat for myriad species usually have a mix of tree types, from skinny saplings to looming old-timers.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Jan. 2026
For every tree felled in the development of the hotel, two saplings were planted, and what's more, for every day that a guest decides to forgo housekeeping, a new tree will be planted (there's a nifty switch in your room so staff know).
—Grainne McBride, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Southlakes Spring Festival will kick off the celebrations where residents will be able to take home saplings donated by Bartlett Tree Experts.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sapling
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Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Age mandates for trees worry some environmentalists Woodlands that are healthy, biodiverse and able to provide food and habitat for myriad species usually have a mix of tree types, from skinny saplings to looming old-timers.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Jan. 2026
For every tree felled in the development of the hotel, two saplings were planted, and what's more, for every day that a guest decides to forgo housekeeping, a new tree will be planted (there's a nifty switch in your room so staff know).
—Grainne McBride, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Southlakes Spring Festival will kick off the celebrations where residents will be able to take home saplings donated by Bartlett Tree Experts.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sapling
Cite this Entry
“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sapling
noun
sap·ling
ˈsap-liŋ 
: a young tree
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