: 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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One such plant is called a staghorn fern. Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026 Tall trees tower over a forest containing ferns and the African grey parrot and other bird species. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 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 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 4 Apr. 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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