fern

noun

ˈfərn 

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

especially : any of an order (Filicales) 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 20-inch design has a hook on the back for easy hanging and is packed with faux wildflowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and blue as well as whimsical ivy and ferns. —Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2024

From the 3-foot-long leaves of the big leaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) and the dinner-plate-sized leaves of ‘Empress Wu’ hosta, to the delicate sprays of ornamental grasses and ferns, texture contrasts can keep the summer garden from hitting the design doldrums. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 31 May 2024

The flowers and ferns of the Mani hills—purple spears, white arrows, feathery javelins—slowly flatten into the horizon. —Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2024

Either way, ferns grow regardless of our names for them. —Krista Stevens, Longreads, 30 May 2024

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

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