: 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 adjective
ferny adjective

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Outdoor Fern Watering Guidelines Indoor ferns can go just slightly longer than outdoor ferns, depending on your outdoor environment. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 May 2025 The rainforest’s primary hiking trail, Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls, leads you through the trees and ferns to the 60-foot Mineral Creek falls. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 Pollen from gymnosperms, such as pines, as well as ferns and flowering plants, such as grasses, herbs and palm trees, all record a clear pattern: Some forest pollen disappeared after the impact, suggesting that the regions’ vegetation changed. Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 Fire season tends to wind down when the state gets enough heavy rainfall to dampen possible fuels such as grass, leaves, pine needles, ferns and tree moss, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fern

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fern was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fern

noun
: 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 adjective
ferny adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fern

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