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

These stones suggest the dinosaur was an opportunistic omnivore, snacking on everything from prehistoric ferns to crunchy insects and small animals. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026

Zach Galifianakis is going from between two ferns to surrounded by carrots, radishes, corn and a whole bunch of other plants. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Giant ferns and treelike plants, some over 100 feet (30 meters) tall, dominated the landscape. —Erin Potter, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026

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

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