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
The area in front of the courthouse building along Third Street had originally been considered, but it was decided the abundance of trees there would make for difficult growing conditions for the sapling.
—
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Water regularly during the first year while the saplings are developing a root system.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The facility had been recently painted salmon pink with fresh saplings planted around the perimeter.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
This year, Southlake is celebrating its 70th year by planting 2,026 trees, and 200 saplings will be given away during Art in the Square.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sapling
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Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Water regularly during the first year while the saplings are developing a root system.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The facility had been recently painted salmon pink with fresh saplings planted around the perimeter.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
This year, Southlake is celebrating its 70th year by planting 2,026 trees, and 200 saplings will be given away during Art in the Square.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 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 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sapling
noun
sap·ling
ˈsap-liŋ 
: a young tree
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