: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pollen from gymnosperms, such as pines, as well as ferns and flowering plants, such as grasses, herbs and palm trees, all record a clear pattern: Some forest pollen disappeared after the impact, suggesting that the regions’ vegetation changed. Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 Fire season tends to wind down when the state gets enough heavy rainfall to dampen possible fuels such as grass, leaves, pine needles, ferns and tree moss, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025 This helps push more water down its face, flowing over moss and ferns, tumbling into a crystal clear pool at the base, giving a truly picture-perfect experience. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2025 The brown resurrection fern that grew thick along the jagged edges of the hollow was changing to a bright green right before her eyes. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025 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 23 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fern

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