1
: a young tree
specifically
: one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height
2
Examples of sapling in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Soon after, a sapling was planted that will be watered and cared for by volunteers.
—
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
In addition, the study found SuperAger brains contained more robust support systems in the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory — that nurture youthful neurons much like a young sapling is nourished when planted in nutrient-rich dirt.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Like every gold medalist in Berlin, Woodruff was presented with a small oak sapling from Germany's Black Forest, a living symbol of his victory.
—Christopher Derose, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Clippings from Stumpy were saved, and the saplings are doing well.
—Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sapling
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Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
In addition, the study found SuperAger brains contained more robust support systems in the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory — that nurture youthful neurons much like a young sapling is nourished when planted in nutrient-rich dirt.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026
Like every gold medalist in Berlin, Woodruff was presented with a small oak sapling from Germany's Black Forest, a living symbol of his victory.
—Christopher Derose, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Clippings from Stumpy were saved, and the saplings are doing well.
—Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sapling
Cite this Entry
“Sapling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapling. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sapling
noun
sap·ling
ˈsap-liŋ 
: a young tree
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