fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: 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

ˈfərn-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective

Examples of fern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For a more natural appearance, mix ferns with other species in your garden. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026

While some ferns are compact, others have a massive spread and towering heights. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026

The train weaves through tall mountains and lush green jungle—ferns, bromeliads and plenty of green foliage consume the right-hand side of the train. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Subjects include everything from global weather patterns to local climate considerations, as well as the selection of shrubs, growing ferns and mosses, and fruit gardens. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing fern

• bird's-nest fern
• Boston fern
• Christmas fern
• cinnamon fern
• fern bar
• fern seed
• hay-scented fern
• maidenhair fern
• male fern
• ostrich fern
• seed fern
• southern maidenhair fern
• sweet fern
• sword fern
• tree fern
• Venus' hair fern

Rhymes for fern

• berne
• burn
• churn
• dern
• earn
• erne
• hern
• hirn
• learn
• morne
• quern
• spurn

Kids Definition

fern

noun

ˈfərn 

: 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

-ˌlīk 

adjective

ferny

ˈfər-nē 

adjective