: 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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Kvetto Self-Watering Hanging Planters Set Just like a matching pair of rocking chairs, porch ferns are a Southern staple in spring—but come summer, ferns need a lot of water to stay happy in the heat. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026 Fern Bar has a subtle Southwestern feel, with eggshell walls, brass accents, and a striking absence of ferns, despite its name. Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026 Its attractions include a mossy, cool grotto of ferns as well as vast views of Ashdown Forest and distant towns. Amy Waldman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026 Then waxwings, bees, hornets, cicadas, bats, swallows, and all the rest of them arrived in the gold daylight falling upon mushrooms, blueberries, lichens, and ferns. Henri Cole, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 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 15 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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