: 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
usually -er/-est
1
: of or abounding in ferns
2
: fernlike
the ferny shadows of locust leaves—
W. V. T. Clark
W. V. T. ClarkExamples of fern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Along the way are several magnificent lookout points as well as sections full of blooming flowers, ferns and foliage native to California and Asia, with the names of unique flora labeled for our benefit.
—Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
This applies to both flowering plants and non-flowering plants, like ferns.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Plants that naturally grow as understory plants in shaded woodlands such as ferns grow in deep shade.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
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.
Noun
In the reception area, amid meandering pools and rock walls sowed with cascading ferns, staff members taught guests how to weave coconut fronds into sun hats and fans.
—Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Along the way are several magnificent lookout points as well as sections full of blooming flowers, ferns and foliage native to California and Asia, with the names of unique flora labeled for our benefit.
—Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
This applies to both flowering plants and non-flowering plants, like ferns.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Plants that naturally grow as understory plants in shaded woodlands such as ferns grow in deep shade.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fern
Cite this Entry
“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
