: 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
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Pair them with hosta, ferns, and hellebore. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026 South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pines. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026 In the spring, Garrison starts tomatoes and other plants in the greenhouse, and her collection of citrus trees, hibiscus, macho ferns and Australian tree ferns make their home there in the winter. Mary Grace Granados, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 Some types of orchids and other epiphytes like staghorn ferns grow well in sphagnum moss. Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026 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 10 Mar. 2026.

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

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