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

The surrounding forest has a Jurassic vibe to it with lush ferns, mosses and huge elephant ears sprouting from the wet earth below. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 18 July 2025

Add in some ferns, mayapples, and spring ephemerals like bloodroot, red trillium, trout lily, and Virginia bluebells for early season interest. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025

In the heart of County Kerry lies a land of contrasts, where rare ferns and moss blanket lush valleys of ancient forests, which meet freshwater lakes backed by sandstone peaks. —Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025

What will grow in 100% shade? Plants that naturally grow as understory plants in shaded woodlands such as ferns grow in deep shade. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 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