sapling

noun sap·ling \ ˈsa-pliŋ , -plən \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of sapling

1 : a young tree; specifically : one not over four inches (about 10 centimeters) in diameter at breast height

2 : youth 2a

See sapling defined for English-language learners

See sapling defined for kids

Recent Examples of sapling from the Web

Educational programs are also crucial to better prepare for climate change, said Barquero in Hone Creek village, where hundreds of saplings grow in the non-profit's plant nursery.

— sophie hares, The Christian Science Monitor, "Costa Rica's coast struggles to survive against rising seas," 25 May 2018
The result was the loss of all the saplings and the end of the dream of living in beautiful Nordhoff.

— benjamin oreskes, latimes.com, "Essential California: Zuckerberg's apology tour," 10 Apr. 2018
Tucked into the riot of color is a slender black-and-white sapling, its life gone already.

— meghan cox gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: Galactic Adventures," 28 June 2018
French President Emmanuel Macron gifted the American people with an oak sapling from Belleau Wood on his visit to the White House in April.

— erik brady, USA TODAY, "How old is former NFL coach Marv Levy? His dad was wounded in World War I," 27 June 2018
The two saplings were transported to a quarantine facility in nearby Beltsville, Maryland.

— betsy klein, CNN, "The French 'bromance' tree could be in quarantine for two years," 1 May 2018
The saplings that visitors plant will later be transferred to sites throughout Israel.

— rebecca hazen, Houston Chronicle, "Houston area JCC and YMCA’s jointly host trip to Israel," 3 July 2018
The short saplings or nonexistent trees allowed for full viewing pleasure, which was the original purpose of the parkway – to attract tourists to the endless expanses of rippling mountain scenery.

— karen chávez, USA TODAY, "Blue Ridge Parkway views get major restoration with 'Renew the Views' project," 15 Apr. 2018
Why the tree took root a second time is a mystery, but a 1998 article in the Wilmington Star says Native Americans often bent saplings and tied them to the ground as markers.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "A North Carolina oak tree dating back 800 years is under siege. Can it be saved?," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sapling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sapling

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

SAPLING Defined for English Language Learners

sapling

noun

Definition of sapling for English Language Learners

: a young tree

SAPLING Defined for Kids

sapling

noun sap·ling \ ˈsa-pliŋ \

Definition of sapling for Students

: a young tree

Learn More about sapling

See words that rhyme with sapling Spanish Central: Translation of sapling Nglish: Translation of sapling for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sapling for Arabic speakers

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sapling

Definition of sapling

Recent Examples of sapling from the Web

First Known Use of sapling

Other Botany Terms

SAPLING Defined for English Language Learners

sapling

Definition of sapling for English Language Learners

SAPLING Defined for Kids

sapling

Definition of sapling for Students

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