: 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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On Thursday night, the country singer took the stage for the very first show at The Pinnacle, inviting her audience to sing with her among a forest of ferns and sky full of stars. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Millions of years ago – where the perpetual ice of Antarctica and the dry dust of the Atacama Desert today stretch – lush forests flourished, full of araucaria trees, giant ferns, and vegetation that would seem unimaginable today. Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025 The plant in focus is the chain fern (Blechnaceae). Jay Kakade may 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025 The tree house has an expansive, elevated deck where guests can gather to enjoy the sounds and sights of the leafy canopy of mature trees above and the massive ferns below. Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 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 10 Jul. 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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