seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

a

: a young tree before it becomes a sapling

b

: a nursery plant not yet transplanted

seedling adjective

Illustration of seedling

• 1 primary root
• 2 rootlet
• 3 root hairs
• 4 hypocotyl
• 5 cotyledon
• 6 epicotyl
• 7 true leaf

Examples of seedling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thin seedlings to about three inches apart, and don’t forget that beet leaves can also be eaten. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026

Cover lightly and keep moist to have seedlings sprouting in about two weeks. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026

According to gardening expert Lucie Bradley, damping off is the main reason seedlings might stop growing before drooping and dying. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 23 May 2026

To minimize stress to young plants and root systems, look for seedlings grown in peat pots which can be torn from the root ball. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seedling

• needling
• wheedling

Kids Definition

seedling

noun

seed·​ling ˈsēd-liŋ 

1

: a young plant grown from seed

2

: a tree before it becomes a sapling

seedling adjective