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

Grow a giant chain fern in some shade and, once established, its water needs will be minimal. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

The ground-floor restaurant and bar was covered in carpet featuring psychedelic crystal patterns, while ruby red velvet banquettes and a glass cube were installed in the dining room, filled with climbing plants and ferns. —Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026

Moss and ferns sprouted aggressively near steaming fumaroles at the edges of the road. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Don’t use cinnamon with tomatoes, pepper, or garden cress, as well as ferns, prayer plants, and orchids. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 23 May 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
• quern
• spurn
• terne

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