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

Norfolk Island pines, parlor palms, ferns, and lots of other foliage plants are also perfect picks for the holiday season. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

The researchers, led by geochemist Liuqing He of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered for the first time that the fern species Blechnum orientale, naturally crystallizes REE minerals within its tissues above ground in ordinary conditions. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 24 Nov. 2025

Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025

Yarrow produces soft, fern-like foliage that remains evergreen in mild climates. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025

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