: 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
Examples of fern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is known for its clusters of tiny flowers and fern-like foliage.
—
Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 6 May 2026
Despite its common name, this evergreen fern is native to Florida as well as other tropical and subtropical areas, where it is often called sword fern.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Unlike some of the other plants on our list, a happy foxtail fern will flower.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Plants will be in pint and quart sizes with 20 native grasses/sedges, three native ferns, and 116 native perennial species.
—Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 28 Apr. 2026
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Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 6 May 2026
Despite its common name, this evergreen fern is native to Florida as well as other tropical and subtropical areas, where it is often called sword fern.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Unlike some of the other plants on our list, a happy foxtail fern will flower.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Plants will be in pint and quart sizes with 20 native grasses/sedges, three native ferns, and 116 native perennial species.
—Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fern
Cite this Entry
“Fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fern. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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